Although
costs vary somewhat between manufacturers, in general, the cost of a
single, rain barrel roof top water catchment system, minus the down
spout and other accessories, averages about $120.1
Costs to a homeowner can be reduced still further by constructing his or
her own barrel, which can be done with basic supplies for as low as $20.
While rain barrel
installation costs are relatively easy to quantify, the costs savings,
both to the individual and the local utility system are not as easy to
measure. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to expect that widespread use
of rain barrels or cisterns will decrease the hydraulic loads and hence
the costs required for the construction and maintenance of off-site
storm drain systems. The reduction in volume on the local water
distribution system can extend the overall life of it.
Here is a
sample cost estimate for a single rain barrel, minus the
downspout, in a residential area for use in small-scale
irrigation and gardening purposes only. The estimate assumes
that the homeowner, garden group, or volunteers provide the
labor, including assembly of rain barrel if necessary. The
disturbed area is considered to be minimal and small enough to
avoid any permits and fees. The following are average costs
for a typical, newly manufactured rain barrel plus optional
accessories.
The cost
of constructing cisterns can vary greatly depending upon their size,
material and location (above or below ground), but generally always
cost more than rain barrels. The degree of water treatment required
can significantly affect the construction cost. Pre-manufactured
tanks, which can be utilized as cisterns, can vary in price from
hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars depending upon their volume
and the material of which they are constructed. Sizes can vary from
hundreds of gallons for residential use to tens of thousands of
gallons for commercial and/or industrial uses. These costs can
further increase if the cistern is to be placed below ground and
excavation is required. Cisterns constructed on-site for
residential use are often made of reinforced concrete and can be
cost effective if extensive excavation is not required.
The following is a
representative cost break down for pre-manufactured versus manually
constructed cisterns. 3
Cost Guide - Pre-manufactured Cisterns
Range, general
average costs, for all use types, low density residential to
industrial use
Here is a
sample cost estimate for a pre-manufactured cistern, minus
any additional costs associated with needed infrastructure
such as gutters, downspouts, filter, inflow and outflow pipes
and water treatment system. The following are average costs
for typical, new, pre-manufactured cisterns with costs for
minimum and maximum size given. Labor costs such as
excavation, if required, and hook up to roof top catchment
system not included.
MATERIAL
COST, Small System
COST, Large system
galvanized steel
$225
for 200 gallons
$950
for 2000 gallons
polyethylene
$160 for 165 gallons
$1100 for 1800 gallons
fiberglass
$660
for 350 gallons
$10,000
for 10,000 gallons
ferro-cement
Price
variable upon location
Price
variable upon location
fiberglass/steel composite
$300
for 300 gallons
$10,000
for 5000 gallons
aluminum
Cost
prohibitive for water use
Cost
prohibitive for water use
TOTAL ESTIMATED
COST: Extremely variable depending upon size, need and
material.
Low Density
Residential Lot in rural area or Subdivision
Here is a
sample cost estimate for a single cistern, minus any
additional costs associated with needed infrastructure such as
gutters, downspouts, filter, inflow and outflow pipes and
water treatment system. The estimate assumes that the
homeowner, garden group, or volunteers provide the labor,
including hook up of cistern to roof top catchment system and
construction and excavation if necessary. The disturbed area
is considered to be minimal and small enough to avoid any
permits and fees. The following are average costs (1999) for a
typical, manually constructed cistern for residential use,
made of reinforced-concrete at a size of 3000 gallons.
ITEM
COST
Labor
provided by property owner
Lumber,
to construct wall
forms
$100
Concrete
$600
Rebar
and
mesh
$100
Latex
based seal, to seal the inside of
cistern
$50
Lid and
hatches
$50
Miscellaneous items, i.e., crossover and overflow pipes,
extraction system
pipe