Cistern
In the cistern system, runoff water is retained and stored in underground storage tanks (cisterns). These tanks are lined with gypsum or concrete to avoid vertical and lateral infiltration, covered by a stone construction and can be of individual or communal use. Each cistern system consists of three parts. The impluvium is the sloping catchment area bordered by a diversion channel. The water from this area is concentrated in the sediment settle basin, and then lead to the storage reservoir.
The size of cistern systems vary from 5-200 m3 (private) up to 70,000 m3. It is estimated that a tank with a capacity of 35 m3 can meet the annual domestic water needs of a family and its livestock.
