Cistern is an economical option for conscious consumption

In an era when global warming has become a major social concern, adopting conscious practices has become a necessity. Sustainable houses and other constructions seek intelligent solutions to reduce environmental impact and, among them, is the cistern.

What is a cistern and what is it used for?

According to the architect Fernanda Soller, the cistern is a reservoir that stores rainwater or water for reuse. Very similar to a water tank, its material guarantees adequate conservation. Besides being a sustainable option, it is economical, since it resignifies consumption: the water can be reused. But, remember: it is important to implement a screen or some protection to avoid proliferationof dengue mosquitoes (in the case of external cisterns).

How does a cistern work?

"The water collection is done through gutters and pipes installed on the roof of the building or equipment and connected to the reservoir, which will filter the water for reuse," explains the architect. With the water collected, it is possible to wash floors, clothes, gardens, vegetable gardens, and flush toilets.

Benefits of the cistern

The use of cisterns in residential construction has a durability of up to 30 years. Besides this, the professional points out other benefits:

• Environmental Responsibility: In the face of several seasons of water crisis, cisterns are increasingly present in buildings, especially in regions where water rationing has become routine.
• Economics: the reuse of water stored in cisterns produces savings of up to 50% on your bill. Is it or is it not an advantage even for your pocket?
• Reduction of consumption: This is a collective justification. By reusing rainwater, for example, you stop consuming the water distributed in the region.
• Sustainability: As an intelligent solution to the scarcity of water, the cistern promotes sustainability and, consequently, influences the community's socio-environmental improvements.
• Property appreciation: Sustainable installations, which yield good monthly savings, have an advantageous valuation in the real estate market.

After learning about the advantages that a cistern adds to the property, it's time to learn about some models available in the market. In the next topic, follow the architect's explanations.

Types of cisterns

According to Fernanda, there are 5 types of cisterns, differentiated by size, material and type of installation. They are

• Mini-tanks: "They are made of plastic material with a storage capacity of up to 250 liters of water and with a faucet for easy use," explains the architect. These models are the most sought after to reuse water from the bath or the washing machine.
• Rotomolded polyethylene: according to Fernada, this model is made of industrially processed plastic material to be lighter, more durable, and resistant. the cistern "is installed in modules to allow the increase of the storage capacity. there are several models, colors, and sizes in the market, with filters and leaf catchers," she adds.
• Vertical cistern: Fernanda explains that this option is made of polyethylene in a thinner structure than the rotomolded modules, and can be fixed to the wall, with a modular system that allows the expansion of the storage capacity.
• Fiber glass: According to the professional, this type of cistern no longer fits today's reality due to its material: "With a capacity of up to 5 thousand liters and high resistance, this model presents low sealing, favoring the proliferation of microorganisms and mosquitoes.
• Masonry (brick, cement and lime): Although it requires a larger investment, the masonry cistern is one of the most customizable options and also offers greater durability.

When including a cistern in your project, make sure the place where it will be installed can bear weight: each liter of water is equivalent to one kilogram. In the next topic, the architect answers the main questions about the subject. Follow along!

Doubts answered by the architect

Fernanda Soller answers the most frequent questions about cisterns, so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises during the purchase and installation of the chosen model:

• How much does a cistern cost? "The average price for models up to 2,000 liters in capacity is R$2,500 to R$3,500."
• What is the ideal size of a cistern? "The size of the cistern is variable, depending on the number of people, equipment and the rainfall index of the region. 750 liters is considered an ideal size for a single-family residence of up to 5 people".
• When should we replace a water tank with a cistern? "The water tank is replaced by the cistern only in places where there is no public supply, in which case the water must be filtered and treated for human consumption.
• What are the main precautions we should take with a cistern? "Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, do not leave the cistern open, and maintain the cleaning frequency, clean the reservoir twice a year and maintain the seal to avoid the proliferation of bacteria, fungi, and mosquito vectors.

To prevent the spread of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, a simple mosquito net installed at all entrances and exits of the cistern solves the problem. Thus, you protect your entire family not only from dengue, but also from other diseases.

How to make a cistern in 3 tutorials

Are you a hands-on kind of person? Then these videos are for you! The tutorials cover 3 different types of cisterns, with various execution difficulties. Check them out.

Masonry version

In this video, a qualified professional explains all the procedures performed during the construction of a cistern made of bricks and cement. In addition, he gives an excellent tip to ensure the durability of the project, avoiding possible cracks.

How to make a simple cistern

This model is applicable only for the reuse of water in activities that do not include consumption. For example, you can wash the yard, the car, and others.

How to build a vertical cistern

Learn how to make a vertical cistern that holds up to 320 liters of rainwater, using discarded materials. The vlogger assures us that the execution of the project is easy and doesn't take up much space.

Just like reusing water, saving energy has become a necessity in Brazilians' daily lives. So, besides investing in a cistern, keep adopting sustainable attitudes that will help you save money and preserve the environment.