That isn’t just a hole in the ground
A cistern hole collects and stores rainwater for your home's irrigation, landscaping, and household water needs while reducing strain on municipal water supplies.
Expect to pay $2,300 to $22,000 for cistern installation, with DIY systems under $2,300 and professional underground cisterns costing $12,000 to $22,000 including labor.
You can make your cistern water drinkable by filtering debris, adding chlorine disinfectant, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and using a carbon filter.
Hiring a local well pump professional provides expert guidance on cistern installation and water system setup, helping you avoid costly mistakes and meet local regulations.
Have you ever seen those mysterious holes in the ground that collect rainwater? Chances are you were looking at a cistern hole. If you have one on your property, it’s time to get the lowdown on what a cistern hole is and how much it costs to install and maintain. Learn the secrets of how to make cistern-hole water safe to drink and pick up some clever ideas for repurposing old cistern holes while you’re at it.
A cistern, often called a cistern hole, is an underground or above-ground water storage tank designed to collect and store rainwater or other water sources. These reservoirs aid in your home’s water management, particularly in locations with less freshwater resources.
Cisterns capture and store rainwater for a variety of purposes:
Irrigation
Landscaping
Household water needs
Aiding in water conservation
Reducing the strain on municipal water supplies
An eco-friendly solution for sustainable water use in residential and agricultural settings
Building a cistern hole yourself can be cost-effective and empowering since you can tailor the cistern to your needs. However, cistern holes also require a certain level of expertise and can take time to build.
Hiring a local well contractor near you can save you time and stress. They’ll bring their experience and knowledge of local regulations, which can potentially save you from costly mistakes.
Before you decide, weigh your skills, resources, and the project's complexity. The decision depends on your comfort level with construction tasks, your budget, and your desire for a hassle-free, expertly executed cistern hole installation.
If you’re on a budget, a smaller cistern hole with up to 2,000 gallons of capacity can be installed on your own for just under $2,300.
In the $2,500 to $12,000 range, homeowners can choose from above-ground barrels and cisterns, and can even increase water storage capacity by getting multiple smaller barrels. This price range includes more advanced installation methods such as connecting the system to gutter downspouts or lawn irrigation.
For those willing to invest more, high-end underground cisterns cost $12,000 to $22,000, including labor and additional features. Professional installation may be needed for these more complex systems.
While they seem similar, a cistern hole is an artificial underground reservoir for storing rainwater, while a well is a hole drilled or dug to access groundwater. Cisterns rely on collected rainwater, while wells tap into natural groundwater sources. Cisterns are typically closed systems, whereas wells provide direct access to underground water tables.
| Feature | Cistern Hole | Well |
|---|---|---|
| Water source | Rainwater and runoff | Groundwater |
| Construction | Built reservoir | Drilled hole |
| Water quality | Requires treatment | Often drinkable |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning | Very little cleaning |
| Sustainability | High sustainability (uses precipitation) | Low sustainability (uses groundwater source) |
If you want to make your cistern water drinkable, you’ll have to filter it to remove debris and sediment using a fine mesh or sediment filter.
To do this:
Disinfect the water by adding chlorine or another water disinfectant
Follow the recommended dosage instructions
Let it sit for a while (usually about 30 minutes) to let the disinfectant work
Afterward, if you don't like the taste of chlorine, consider using a carbon filter to remove the residual odor or taste
Perform regular cistern maintenance to prevent contamination and test the water quality so you know it meets drinking water standards
You may be wondering what to do with an old cistern hole. Luckily, there are a few solutions that are creative and eco-friendly. Before you decide, make sure it’s safely repurposed or decommissioned according to local regulations.
Convert it into a rain garden to add to your landscaping while managing rainwater runoff
Use it as an underground root cellar for food storage—your supplies will like its cool, temperature-stable environment
Transform it into a fish pond
Seal it to prevent accidents or contamination
Joseph did a great job with the staircase and trim. Timely and efficient, clear communication about the work, very fair pricing. For the stairs in particular, done very skillfully in an old house (1893) in a tight spiral, and very creative with how to do the handrail. Did a nice job with...
Vouis Trim Carpentry L.L.C.Great experience!! Dion was prompt, professional and very polite. He is hands down the best plumber I have ever used.
Mercenary Remodeling & HandyworksCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCMatt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...
Greene's Plumbing ServiceThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC pays attention to every detail, ensuring a job well done every time.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWhen we had the winter freeze, I called Quantum Waterworks Waterline & Drain Cleaning Services and within 1 hour I received an e-mail and he sent someone out the next day and he was on time, he was nice and did the job quickly and cleaned up after himself. We had a leak in our kitchen from...
Quantum Waterworks Waterline & Drain Cleaning Services, LLCFrom the beginning , every appointment was met with punctuality! The day of installation, they arrived on time and worked tirelessly all day until the job was finished. ( Even through a very heavy down pour) Ilia, the owner is a professional, knowledgeable, and fair man. He is absolutely, and...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioThe service was excellent! They gave me a quote, and had it done 4 days later. My driveway looks amazing, very professional! I would definitely recommend their service to anyone. I have had neighbors stop by and ask for their information as well.
All Star Paving and SealingThey are very reliable and available. They the drains all the time
The WaterworksFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Cisterns can save you money and help the environment. So what’s the cost of a cistern and how does it compare to other rainwater collection systems?
Most building projects and septic installations require soil testing to ensure proper drainage. Learn how much a perc test costs and what affects costs.
You don’t always need to rely on municipal water as your home’s main water source. Read this guide to discover what a cistern is and how it works.
Cisterns collect an on-demand water supply. Learn how to install and build a cistern correctly for a fresh and clean water supply you can rely on.
If you’ve discovered a non-working cistern on your property, you’ve got options for what to do with an old cistern to turn it into something useful.
Want to know more about your sewage? Explore the differences between cisterns vs. septic tanks before choosing a sewage containment system for your home.
