[mjmmessina]

I'm looking into adding a rainwater cistern to my remote cabin this year. I plan to use the water for showering and washing dishes. I'm looking at using a 100 gallon tank/barrel since I only visit for a few days usually. I have power at the cabin and was thinking of using a small shurflow pump for pumping the water. Anyone have any experience or tips when designing one of these water systems?

 

[RonM]

My buddy used a new septic tank buried , held more than the 50 gal barrel.......

 

[peddle-paddle]

Well if the cistern is collecting from the roofs gutters and there are trees nearby, you have to deal with leaves. If or when leaves get into your holding tank they decay and results in water which really isnt nice to even bath with.

 

[Big Redneck]

You will need some type of screening so the chippy's and mice don't end up swimming in your tank.

 

[Deer archer]

Search gutter diverter. There are even a few videos. 100 gallon might not be worth the effort. 300 gallon seemed to be on the small end.
I built a "flipper" (technical term). It diverts the first 10-15 gallons. This helps put the leaves and junk from gutters onto ground rather than in tank. Not bullet proof but gets vast majority.

 

[Trail Cat]

There was a cistern at our camp when we bought it. The inside of the camp was completely piped. When you took a shower you felt dirtier Thanbeforeyou started. These guys are right about the decaying leaves or the mouse/chipmunk that falls in and dies.

My advice, save your money and drill a well.

 

[westernwishes]

Put a rain barrel on your down spout.bury a tank from tsc or?.Get a pump with pessure tank from harbor freight.Put a whole house filter in .Have a hose on the hent for your tank hook it to your rain barrel when you go to camp.works real well.