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A cistern works by collecting rainwater from your gutters and downspouts and storing it in a holding tank. The holding tank can be installed above or below ground, and the size will depend on your household needs. The stored water can then be used for household tasks, watering your garden, and even for drinking water.

The water refills in a well through gravity that draws water from the water table to fill the vertical hole. The pump brings the fresh water through a pressure tank and to the pipes in your house. The well continues to refill indefinitely as long as you don’t use more water than the well is producing.

There are a couple of ways you can determine the depth of your well. One method is to use a device called a well sounder. This tool has a long measuring tape containing a sensor to alert you once the end reaches the water. 

Or you can DIY it by using a long tape measure with a half-filled bottle of water attached to it. Lower the tape measure into your well. Once you feel tension on the tape, you’ll know the bottle has reached your static water level. This will give you an approximate idea of your well’s depth.

Good news: You’ll naturally increase the bacteria in your septic tank simply by using it. If you want to encourage more good bacteria growth, stop using products and household cleaners that kill bacteria, such as bleach and harsh chemicals. Never flush antibiotics, and make sure only water and waste go down the tube—not paper products, feminine hygiene products, or diapers.