While on the Cool House Tour in Austin last weekend, we came across one charming home in the middle of the city. The house itself was downright lovely, but what left us awestruck was the backyard. On their moderately-sized city lot, the family had an incredible veggie garden, six clucking hens in a covered run, a three-bin composting system, and a 2,000-gallon rain tank.
We have a standard rain barrel in our backyard, which holds about 70 gallons, so imagine seeing many times that size, in a backyard the same size as our own.
And you'd think that with the drought we're experiencing in Texas, that thing would be empty—but the owners said that one good rain (two inches) filled it about three quarters of the way. Can you imagine collecting 1,500 gallons of water from your roof from one night of good rain? With the right planning, it's absolutely possible.
We have yet to do the cost analysis, but since we have the space this is seriously something we'd consider. What about you? Obviously this isn't an option for smaller lots, but there are all sorts of creative ways to squeeze in a 1,000-gallon tank... Learn more at WaterCache.
Have you seen any large rain tanks in your neighborhood?
Related posts:
• Hot Tip: How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Rain Barrel
• RainXchange: Modular Underground Rainwater Cistern
• Good Question: Rainwater Harvesting
(Images: Innovative Water Solutions, used with permission.)
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OMG that first picture! I need that! Right now!
That is wonderful!
That is a great idea. I am guessing they use the water for gardens and such?
I was just at the site referenced and didn't see the first tank...anyone know what it is? Could iy be DIY'd?
Wow, that is super impressive.
Love this. I assume it's way out of my price range, but we do want a metal one, not plastic. I didn't see a price on the website - anyone know what it is? Also I as DCS said, unless it has a filter I assume it can't be used for drinking or bathing?
Love it, but I'd like to know more about how one keeps it from becoming a huge mosquito breeding ground?
there are two ways to keep it from being a mosquito breeding ground: one, you get a fine mesh screen (like window screen) that will let water through, but not bugs or larvae, and cover any holes with that, or Two, just keep a couple goldfish in the tank to eat whatever bugs come in to lay eggs, and whatever eggs actually get laid.
@AmyB504, google 'corrugated steel cisterns' and you'll many sites that offer them.
Also the design in the first picture is known as a 'slim line' which is in the link at the bottom of the article. In the second picture the cistern was probably made by a local Texas company 'Texas Metal Cisterns'. (which is also linked to the site link at the bottom of the article)
Wow. We live in an old house with an underground masonry cistern for our water supply. Every month, we have 2,000 gallons of city-treated water trucked in to fill the cistern. I'm looking at this and thinking that's an entire month of water for us. Even if we continued to use the treated water for indoor use, this would be such a boon for the garden and our animals. We have a few small rain barrels, but nothing like this!
Any more information on the 3-bin composting system? I am assuming it is on the right of the 2nd picture. Thanks.
Here in Australia these tanks are really really common - they are even standard in new homes. Most people use the water on the garden / car washing etc. But a lot of places have them hooked up to flush the toilet, which saves a huge amount of mains water being wasted.
gateaulove, I love the goldfish suggestion!
I have cistern envy. Australia is doing it right.