Converting an Old Cistern for Irrigation Use

A homeowner wants to use a 70-year-old concrete cistern (formerly a well) to collect roof runoff and pump it for irrigation.

Feasibility Considerations

Water Volume: Irrigation uses large amounts of water. Unless the cistern is very large or continuously replenished, it may not supply enough.
Pump System: A pump and piping to connect to the existing irrigation system are required.
Cost vs. Benefit: Installation cost may outweigh benefits for a small or unreliable source.

Review pump sizing and system design at Irrigation Tutorials - Pumps before proceeding.

Irrigation: Rain Bird Controller On But Pump Not Starting: Test PS/MV Terminal Voltage; Irritrol SR1 Pump Relay Troubleshooting: Voltage Drop Diagnosis; Cistern Leaking at Base: Consider Portland Cement Additive Seal; Sprinkler Pump Trips Breaker: Is a $1,400 Motor Replacement Justified?; Sprinkler Pump Runs but No Pressure – Common Causes; Well Pump Cycling – Cistern & Booster Pump Design; Cistern to Lawn: Sump Pump Won't Work, Need Centrifugal Pump for Pressure; Designing a Cistern-Fed Automatic Sprinkler System: Pump, Controls, and Pipe Sizing; Diagnosing Pressure Drop in a Deep Well Irrigation System; DIY Filter for a 125-Gallon Goldfish Pond Under $100

Garden Articles

Plants