Cistern Sizing for Seasonal Workers: How Much Water Is Required?

Factors to Consider When Sizing a Cistern

When sizing a cistern for a seasonal worker’s household, several factors should be taken into account. The number of people living in the household is a major factor, as well as the length of the dry season. For example, if the dry season lasts 6 months and there are 4 people living in the household, a minimum of 2400 gallons of water per person for that 6-month period is required, resulting in a total of 9600 gallons. However, it is generally recommended to store 10% to 20% more water than this minimum to account for losses due to evaporation and other factors.

Calculating Water Requirements

To calculate the water requirements for a seasonal worker’s household, the following formula can be used: (number of people x daily water usage) x (number of days in dry season). For example, if the daily water usage per person is 50 gallons, and the dry season lasts 183 days, the total water requirements would be (4 people x 50 gallons/day) x 183 days = 36,200 gallons. As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to store 10% to 20% more water than this minimum, resulting in a total of 40,000 to 43,640 gallons.

Considerations for Off-Grid Water Storage

When storing water off-grid, it’s essential to consider the size and material of the cistern. A larger cistern may be more expensive to purchase and install, but it can also provide a longer-term water supply. The material of the cistern should be durable and resistant to corrosion, such as steel or concrete. The cistern should also be located in a shaded area to minimize evaporation and protect the water from direct sunlight.