Cement Cisterns in Canada
How common are cement cisterns?
How do I calculate the volume of my cistern?
Who can repair my cistern?
Does water ever go bad in a cistern?
Let’s “dig in” in to your cistern!
What is a cistern?
A cistern is a large, waterproof tank that stores water for domestic use or consumption. They are usually filled by a water delivery truck. Cisterns are often made out of cement, but can also be made of plastic.
How common are cement cisterns?
About 3–4 million Canadians rely on private drinking water supplies, which are non-municipal water sources. This includes groundwater, cisterns, lakes, drilled wells, and other sources.
How do I calculate the volume of my cistern?
Simply put in your tank dimensions into this free tank volume calculator.
Can my cistern be repaired?
Yes, a cement cistern can be repaired, but the extent of the damage will determine if repairs are feasible. Small cracks can be patched, but major structural damage may require replacing the cistern.
Contact your local cistern inspection company for assistance.
Can water go bad in a cistern?
Water is a cistern can go bad if it’s contaminated with animals, insects, rainwater, and leaves. Overtime, sludge can buildup. Sometimes hauled water may even bring in contaminants.
Be sure to clean and disinfect your cistern at least once per year as well as install filters, test the water, and keep debris and animals out.
Learn about cistern water quality here.
How long will a full cistern last with regular water usage?
Depending on the size of your cistern and the number of litres of water you’re using, your cistern could supply enough water for 1-2 months! But… How much water does your household use daily? A typical family of four requires at least 15,000 liters (3900 gallons) per month. A very common cistern size in Canada is 3000 gallons.
By calculating your cistern volume and then determining your usage, you can figure out how long your cistern will supply you.
Purchase a liquid level monitoring device like the PTLevel to keep tabs on your water usage and be alerted when it’s time to order water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a concrete cistern last?
A lot of concrete tanks come with a 20-year warranty, and you can realistically expect a concrete water tank to last between 20-30 years.
What is better, concrete or plastic cistern?
In comparison to heavy concrete tanks that demand robust machinery for installation, plastic tanks are rather easier to transport and set up. Plastic tanks are also easier to disinfect. However, concrete cisterns are more popular because they keep water cool, they last longer, and they are often cheaper.
How much does it cost to put in a cistern?
Cistern prices depend on the size of tank and can range between $3,000 to $8,000 for common sizes. Installation costs can vary as they depend on factors such as lot size, soil types, and elevation.
Are concrete cisterns safe?
Yes, cement cisterns are safe and designed to keep water healthy and drinkable.