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Cistern Tanks

Cistern Tanks

Cistern Tanks: Underground Water Storage

A cistern is a tank that stores water underground. Plastic cistern tanks hold rainwater, well water or hauled water out of sight and out of the sun, where the water stays cooler and won't freeze. They are used for whole-house water supply on wells and off-grid homes, rainwater harvesting, fire-protection reserves, livestock and irrigation. This page carries Norwesco underground water cisterns and multi-use underground tanks from 225 to 20,000 gallons, rotationally molded from polyethylene that meets FDA standards for drinking water.

Why go underground

  • Space: the yard stays usable, and the tank can't be seen.
  • Water quality: no sunlight means no algae, and the ground keeps the water cool.
  • Freeze protection: buried below the frost line, the water stays liquid all winter.

Underground cistern sizes

GallonsPart #TypeSize
225N-44827Cistern48" L x 48" W x 50" H
250N-43746Cistern47" L x 47" W x 56" H
325N-41321Cistern54" L x 54" W x 54" H
525N-44829Cistern64" L x 64" W x 62" H
550N-40856Cistern64" L x 64" W x 67" H
575N-44360Cistern97" L x 48" W x 42" H
600N-41328Cistern101" L x 51" W x 47" H
825N-43569Cistern92" L x 60" W x 51" H
1,000N-41734Multi-use102" L x 60" W x 63" H
1,000N-41735Multi-use102" L x 60" W x 63" H
1,000N-41736Multi-use102" L x 60" W x 63" H
1,000N-41820Multi-use102" L x 60" W x 63" H
1,000N-44463Multi-use102" L x 60" W x 63" H
1,175N-40199Cistern127" L x 60" W x 51" H
1,175N-44405Cistern127" L x 60" W x 51" H
1,200N-41329Cistern102" L x 60" W x 63" H
1,250N-41752Multi-use116" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,250N-41753Multi-use116" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,250N-41821Multi-use116" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,250N-44466Multi-use116" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,425N-43573Cistern157" L x 60" W x 51" H
1,425N-44406Cistern157" L x 60" W x 51" H
1,450N-43549Cistern157" L x 60" W x 51" H
1,500N-41771Multi-use135" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,500N-41772Multi-use135" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,500N-41822Multi-use135" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,500N-44469Multi-use135" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,700N-41330Cistern135" L x 55" W x 70" H
1,725N-44407Low profile cistern157" L x 69" W x 51" H
1,750N-43550Cistern157" L x 69" W x 51" H
2,000N-42559Cistern126" L x 98" W x 51" H
2,000N-44593Multi-use126" L x 98" W x 51" H
2,500N-44079Multi-use159" L x 99" W x 51" H
2,600N-43770Multi-use155" L x 99" W x 51" H
2,650N-43771Multi-use155" L x 99" W x 81" H
3,525N-44390Multi-use211" L x 102" W x 51" H
5,025N-44876Cistern211" L x 102" W x 73" H
5,025N-44877Cistern211" L x 102" W x 96" H
10,000N-45686Multi-use356" L x 101" W x 107" H
15,000N-41615Underground tank511" L x 101" W x 107" H
20,000N-41616Underground tank665" L x 101" W x 107" H

Before you buy

  • Cistern or multi-use: Norwesco's water cisterns have a ribbed shell built for burial. Multi-use underground tanks can be set up for water, holding or septic service.
  • Burial limits: each tank has a maximum burial depth and a rule for high water tables. Most underground cisterns are not rated for vehicle traffic over them. Check the spec sheet on the tank's page before you dig.
  • Risers and manhole extensions: bring the manholes up to grade. Each cistern page lists the risers made for it, and they're also at Septic Tank Risers, Lids & Accessories.
  • Low profile cisterns: a shorter tank for rock, shallow excavation or a high water table.

Questions buyers ask

What size cistern do I need? For a home, size the cistern to cover your daily use times the number of days between refills or dry spells. For rainwater, 1 inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof yields about 620 gallons.

Can a cistern hold drinking water? Yes. These tanks are made from resin that meets FDA standards for potable water. Your water still needs the right filtration and treatment for its source.

Want a tank above ground instead? See Vertical Plastic Water Tanks. Questions? Call 866-418-1777.

  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-43746

    Norwesco 250 Gallon Plastic Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $750.14
    The item has been added
  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-44827

    Norwesco 225 Gallon Plastic Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $779.65
    The item has been added
  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-41321

    Norwesco 325 Gallon Plastic Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $1,100.21
    The item has been added
  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-40856

    Norwesco 550 Gallon Plastic Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $1,600.31
    The item has been added
  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-41328

    Norwesco 600 Gallon Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $1,650.32
    The item has been added
  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-44360

    Norwesco 575 Gallon Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $1,700.33
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  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-44829

    Norwesco 525 Gallon Plastic Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $1,875.66
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  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-41736

    Norwesco 1000 Gallon Plastic Multi-Use Underground Liquid Storage Tank (for Canada)

    MSRP: $2,439.00
    $2,198.01
    The item has been added
  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-43569

    Norwesco 825 Gallon Plastic Underground Water Storage Cistern Tank

    $2,350.46
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  • Norwesco

    SKU: N-41734

    Norwesco 1000 Gallon Plastic Multi-Use Underground Liquid Storage Tank

    $2,450.48
    The item has been added