cisterny

Cisterny is the Polish term for cisterns, water storage tanks designed to hold liquids, typically water. Cisterns are used in buildings, on properties, and in infrastructure to provide a reserve supply, regulate pressure, or store rainwater and other liquids.

Cisterns vary by location and purpose. Indoor units are often integrated into plumbing walls, under floors, or in utility rooms, while outdoor cisterns may be elevated, surface-mounted, or buried underground. Common materials include concrete, steel, fiberglass, and plastics; sizes range from compact household tanks to large municipal reservoirs.

Key features include an inlet for filling, an outlet for withdrawal, an overflow to prevent flooding, and vents or lids to control evaporation and pests. Some cisterns include filtration, sediment traps, or disinfection equipment to maintain water quality.

Uses range from domestic water storage in rural or off-grid areas to agricultural irrigation and fire protection systems. In many regions, cisterns also support rainwater harvesting, reducing demand on freshwater supplies and providing climate-adaptive water management.

Maintenance focuses on cleanliness and structural integrity. Regular inspections check for cracks, leaks, corrosion, or sediment buildup. Periodic cleaning and disinfection are common, with attention to proper lids, screens, and overflow piping to prevent contamination or pest ingress.

Historically, cisterns appeared in ancient civilizations as reliable water sources, notably in Greco-Roman and Near Eastern architecture. In modern times, cisterns remain important in arid and semi-arid regions and for sustainable water strategies, often paired with filtration, pumps, and monitoring systems.