[familyop]

"But what’s wrong with having an over the ground tank?"

That's a good point. I live in a very cold climate and have put layers of plastic, styro-foam and from 1 1/2 to 3 feet of earth over cisterns to keep them from freezing (lows in the minus-20s to minus-30s depending on elevation, some areas with high winds and spraying ice). They require either one or two risers for those depths (for maintenance access). Above-ground cisterns might be good in places where freezing is not possible. Other things to consider:

* Tank needs to be small enough to allow complete water replacement every few days--bacterial/protozoa hazards.

* Bacterial risk goes up with warmer water in the tank, unless it is used and replaced faster.

* There's also water system security to consider.

I like a 600-gallon, concrete, in-ground tank (with float switch) for a small family. Others like cisterns up to 1250 gallons or more. All require periodical water testing and sterilization (bleach-water mix ratios prescribed by at least some states). States and private labs do water tests, and there are water testing kits available for order through Internet. The standard test kits are cheap. Radon test kits are higher. Patience and close attention to instructions are required.

Little aside here. Small, above-ground tanks are also great in some warm climates for hot water supply. Colder climates require solar water collectors (with drainback, open loop with much protection against freezing) or antifreeze collectors (closed loop). Big savings on natural gas or propane there. Home-built solar water and space heating systems pay for themselves pretty fast.

Have fun. It's pretty neat stuff to know.

[Sun]

Thanks for the information.

With your knowledge I bet you, and your loved ones, will be among the safest people in the country, no matter what happens.

Hope Americans elect a good president next time around, and hope nothing widespread, and horrible, happens until then.