Cisterns
Underground water storage for irrigation.
30 years of operational experience.
What is a cistern?
A cistern is a watertight tank that stores water for later use. Cisterns can be above or below ground. Depending on the system, they can hold collected rainwater or delivered water.
How does a cistern work?
Water enters through a fill connection or collection system. In an irrigation system, a pump can move the stored water to the landscape.
Well water on the East End
Private wells draw from the freshwater beneath Long Island. Irrigation adds to the demand on that supply.
“Salting your well”: saltwater intrusion
Saltwater intrusion is the movement of saline water into a freshwater aquifer. In coastal areas, pumping can draw saltwater inland or upward toward a well.
If you are concerned about well salinity, arrange water testing and a well professional’s assessment. A cistern stores water; it does not remove salt from well water.
Supplement your well’s irrigation supply
Supplying irrigation from a cistern filled with delivered water or permitted rainwater can reduce the amount drawn from your property’s well.
Filling a tank from the same well still relies on groundwater pumping. On Shelter Island, new turf-irrigation cisterns cannot be filled from a well or hose.
A lush garden with less demand on your well
Combine storage with efficient irrigation, weather-based controls and planting suited to the site. The groundwater benefit depends on the water source and how much is used.
Underground gunite cisterns
Binder Pools builds custom-sized underground gunite cisterns for irrigation on Long Island’s East End. Gunite is a method of spraying concrete into place.
Choosing the storage capacity
Start with how much water the irrigation system will use and how often the cistern can be refilled.
For a rainwater collection system, the collection area and available rainfall also affect the supply.
Access and upkeep
Plan how the tank, fill connection and irrigation equipment will be reached for inspection and maintenance. For rainwater collection, screens and filters need attention so debris does not build up in the system.
Discuss your cistern project
Email your property address, any site or irrigation plans, and photos of the proposed location and equipment access. Include the intended irrigation use and planned fill source.