Cistern

[steel_ag]

Anybody here know where I could get hands-on experience building a cistern (preferably ferrocement) in Texas? I would like to install one underground on my land, after I get some experience first.

[hoarder]

Can't advise you on building one, but I have bought 2400 gallon concrete cisterns and the delivered price was cheaper than plastic cisterns. They use a bobtail monorail truck to deliver them. I bought 3 of them, no problems yet.

[hoarder]

If you just need a cistern for fire-fighting/irrigation, you could keep an eye out for used gas station tanks. They're usually about 10,000 gallons, cheap and cylindrucal in shape. Either fiberglass or steel. I think there were issues using fiberglass with the new ethanol fuels.
When placing in the ground, put some water in them, backfill a little, add more water and so on. Otherwise they will try to "float" out of the dirt.

[steel_ag]

Can't advise you on building one, but I have bought 2400 gallon concrete cisterns and the delivered price was cheaper than plastic cisterns. They use a bobtail monorail truck to deliver them. I bought 3 of them, no problems yet.


Hoarder, what was your source?

(Purpose is to collect rainwater for domestic use)

[hoarder]

Hoarder, what was your source?

(Purpose is to collect rainwater for domestic use)
I bought them from Hunton Precast in Missoula, Mt. They are heavy and bulky so shipping cost can be an issue. Call pre-cast concrete outfits in your area.

[MNeagle]

I'm jealous Hoarder. Good for you! And good luck on your hunt steel ag.

[horseshoe3]

Look into getting a septic tank. I would recommend a NEW one.

My parents have spring water. They capture it in a culvert stood on end, surrounded by gravel covered by concrete. From there they run a pipe downhill a few feet to a reservoir made from a septic tank. It allows them to collect a large amount of water for use.