Tacoma Man Installs Sizeable Rainwater Cistern
by TreeHugger 
on 05.24.05
Rainwater — it's almost always purer than groundwater. It's abundant. It's free. Based on this reasoning, Tim Bennecker installed 1700-gallon cistern in his front yard in Tacoma, Washington. He plans on using the water to flush his toilets, wash his clothes and irrigate his lawn. The tank cost $1900 and the excavation cost him $3000. This kind of installation may never pay for itself. However, Bennecker said he set out to be a “test bed” to encourage such systems in new homes. Otherwise he could have have opted for more affordable, 500 gallon above-ground cistern. See this guide for more details on sizing a cistern. :: News Tribute article [by Justin Thomas]
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A lot of people here on Maui (including my house) use these, unfortunately out of necessity rather than choice. But I think it's very cool that he's doing it on his own.
Rainwater tanks are an icon in Australian backyards, everything from small ones to water the vegetable gardens or massive ones to use for things like this article. They're mostly above ground though and pay for themselves quick enough, esp considering how long they last. Our standard ones are made of galvanised iron, not the best material but it's a start right?