A Taste of What's Inside
Okay, so you’re on board with the idea of storing water – excellent! Now, let’s explore the practical side of things. When it comes to actually storing water, there are several options to choose from, ranging from above-ground tanks to underground cisterns to practical, attractive ponds. The best choice for you depends on how you plan to use it and your circumstances.
Common Water Storage Options
Tanks: A Classic Choice
Material
Plastic water tanks have the advantage of being lightweight and affordable, while steel tanks offer excellent strength and durability. For large-scale storage, a concrete tank may be an ideal choice. When deciding on your material, remember that while some plastic tanks can be buried, it’s essential to choose one that's designed to stand up to surrounding soil pressure and contact with groundwater.
Location
Above-ground tanks are easy to install but can be susceptible to temperature fluctuations and environmental risks like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Below-ground tanks offer better protection from the elements, but they must be installed correctly to prevent damage from soil pressure. This includes proper backfilling, compaction, and, occasionally, a protective outer casing. If you’re considering burying a tank, check the manufacturer’s specifications and work with a qualified installer.
Storage capacity
Industrial storage tanks can be immense, but for homeowners, a very large underground water tank may hold as much as 60,000 gallons. Since local regulations can limit the size of above-ground water tanks, you may be maxed out at around 5,000 gallons, more or less.
Cisterns: Beyond the Rain
While cisterns are most often associated with rainwater harvesting and storage, they can also be used to store water from other sources. Cisterns are typically installed underground and are designed to capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater storage is the most common use for cisterns. They collect rain flowing from rooftops and store it for later use in irrigation, gardening, toilet flushing, or as a backup water supply for other non-potable purposes.
Well water storage
Cisterns can be used to store water drawn from a well. This can help keep a consistent water supply, especially if the well has a low yield or if there are concerns about water quality fluctuations.
Municipal water storage
Sometimes, it makes sense to store municipal water when it’s available (and preferably before the rates go up!). If you live in a city and don’t have a well or can’t install a system to capture rainwater, stockpiling some water from your faucet in advance can keep you going in case of emergencies or disruptions to the main water lines. Cisterns make a good option and can be installed in a small backyard, a garage, or a basement.
Graywater storage
Cisterns can also be used to store greywater, which is the relatively clean wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry. While it isn’t drinkable, greywater can be filtered and used for non-potable purposes, like flushing toilets and watering mature plants and landscaping, especially firebreaks, but avoid using it to water food crops.
Materials
Modern cisterns are often built from concrete, fiberglass, polyethylene, or steel. Many of the same material considerations for underground tanks apply here. For other cistern options, fiberglass has the advantage of being lightweight and easy to install but is vulnerable to ground movement. Steel is extremely strong but expensive and may require extra maintenance to prevent rust.
Storage capacity
Since cisterns are most commonly used for rainwater harvesting, they’re widely available up to 3,000 gallons, though it may be possible to find them as large as 10,000 gallons.
Bladders: Flexible and Portable
Short term use
Bladders make a good short-term storage solution if your priorities are flexibility and easy portability. They’re most often used during emergencies and sometimes in locations where traditional tanks or cisterns aren’t feasible. Some specialized bladders can be installed below ground, albeit with proper precautions.
Materials
When considering a bladder for water storage, look for a durable material suited to the water you’ll be storing. A well-maintained bladder can last many years but is more vulnerable to damage from punctures and UV radiation, so lifespans vary: check the specs on your candidates.
Storage capacity
Widely available household bladders hold up to about 4,000 gallons, but some companies produce bladders holding 25,000 gallons, and the largest military-style bladders hold 210,000 gallons.
Ponds:
If you have some land to spare, a pond makes an extraordinarily versatile storage option. Ponds can be designed for straightforward functionality, or, with creative landscaping, a pond can also be an attractive feature and a valuable asset to your property.
Here are a few considerations for planning a pond:
Storage capacity
Even small ponds can store impressive amounts of water. For perspective, a three-acre pond with an average depth of 5 feet can hold nearly 5 million gallons. For more suburban locales, a 1/2 acre pond with an average depth of 4 feet can hold over 650,000 gallons.
Size and depth
A broad, shallow pond might seem like a good idea, but aside from holding less water, it can cause serious problems, including unstable water temperatures, increased evaporation, and a high chance of nuisance algae. On the other hand, a deep pond often costs more to build and can be a safety hazard.
Lining
A high-quality liner keeps the water from seeping into the ground, prevents leaks, and eliminates some sources of contamination, but not all liners are equally effective. If there’s a chance you might use the water for watering livestock or household use in an emergency, it’s essential to choose a liner that’s certified for potable water contact. This certification ensures the liner won’t leach harmful chemicals or contaminants into your water, keeping it safe for all its intended uses.
Finding the Right Storage Solution
Capacity
First things first, how much water do you need to store? This will depend on the number of people you need to supply, how you’ll use the water, and your average water consumption. There are online guidelines that can help you calculate your daily needs, or you may be able to make an estimate based on your monthly water consumption. In an emergency, for example, you can likely reduce your water usage by 50% or more by prioritizing essential needs like drinking and cooking.
Location
Where will you be storing your water? Do you have space indoors, outdoors, above ground, or below ground? The location will influence the type of storage solution that’s most suitable. Don’t forget to plan for maintenance access.
Durability
How long do you need your storage solution to last? Different materials handle temperature fluctuations and UV exposure differently, so their lifespans will differ. Consider whether you need a brief (maybe 5 years) storage solution or something relatively permanent, like 30 years or more, and choose accordingly.
Cost
Water storage solutions come in a wide range of prices. Set a budget and explore options that fit your financial constraints. You may request quotes from suppliers or use online calculators.
Intended use
How will you be using the stored water? Drinking, irrigation, emergency backup, or a combination of purposes? For example, if you’re storing water for drinking, you’ll need a solution rated for storing potable water. If you’re storing water for irrigation, you might prioritize capacity and cost-effectiveness.
Liners: A Crucial Component of Water Storage
Liners prevent leaks, keep contaminants out, and help maintain the integrity of your storage system. A good liner is essential for a safe and reliable water supply, whether using a tank, cistern, or pond.
Materials
Reinforced polyethylene (RPE)
RPE is popular for many water storage applications, including ponds of all sizes and shapes. It’s resistant to punctures, tears, and UV damage; even better, many RPE liners are certified for drinking water.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC liners are another standard option, often chosen for their flexibility and chemical resistance. However, some PVC liners use plasticizers to maintain flexibility, which can leach into your stored water as the liner ages. When stored water containing plasticizers is used for livestock or to irrigate crops, they enter the food chain, where they’ve been linked to serious endocrine, neurological, and reproductive issues. No one wants to risk adding that burden to their family.
Putting a Lid on It
That’s our exploration of water storage options! We’ve covered the most common choices, from tanks and cisterns to bladders and ponds. Using this information, you can make a choice that aligns with your needs and plans. Still, no matter which option you choose, one thing remains constant: the importance of a dependable, long-lasting storage system and high-quality liner to protect your water. In the next chapter, we’ll look into the question of how to keep your stored water safe and clean.
