If using storage tanks, structures made with ferrocement or brick-cement are the best and cheapest options, and they can be made locally. When a water tank is below ground, it is called a cistern. Among the different storage types are the [[underground tank]], [[ferro-cement tank]], [[plastic-lined tank]], etc. The size of the tank is a compromise between cost, the volume of water used, the length of the dry season, etc. It is advisable to first construct a small tank before attempting a large one. Storage tanks can additionally be filled up using pumps.
====OperationKeeping the water clean====The flow Roof rainwater is usually of good quality and does not require treatment before consumption. If the house has a chimney, however, it is possible that the water can be intercepted in different waysbecomes smoky. Different catchment types High chimneys are used, such as therefore preferred. Water is collected through roof catchmentgutters made of PVC, paved surface catchmentbamboo, surface catchment etc. and riverbed catchmentstored. Once the The most important thing to ensure water has been intercepted, it quality is led to a storage tank. Usuallygood lid, keeping out light and insects, and a filter is placed between , keeping out all kinds of dirt. A concrete lid protects the catchment structure and tank from pollution. Small fishes can be kept in the storage tankto keep it free from insects.
Roof rainwater is usually A foul-flush device or detachable down-pipe can be fitted that allows the first 20 litres of good quality and does not require treatment before consumption. If the house has runoff from a chimney, it is however possible that storm to be diverted from the water becomes smokystorage tanks. High chimneys are therefore preferred. Water This is because runoff is collected through roof gutters made of PVCcontaminated with dust, bambooleaves, etc. insects and storedbird droppings. The most important thing to ensure To prevent the use of dirty water quality , the runoff is then led through a good lidsmall filter of gravel, keeping out light sand and insectscharcoal before entering the storage tank, and or a filter, keeping out all kinds of dirt. Basic water quality testing is recommended during placed between the catchment structure and the first year, with further testing when water quality is in doubtstorage tank. A low cost water test Where there is no foul-flush device, the ‘HACH’ test, about US$1 per test. If contamination is suspected user or when water quality needs caretaker has to be guaranteed, divert away the water can be treated in several ways. Several pump systems can be used to lift first 20 litres at the water from underground tanks, for example with a [[rope pump]] or with a [[deep well pump]], which can elevate water up to a height start of 30 mevery rainstorm.
====EMAS system====