Saving Money With a Rainwater Cistern

Published by julia | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Miscellaneous, Real Estate

Homeowners are looking for any way possible to save money in order to save more. The rainwater cistern could help do just that. Rainwater may not be potable 100% of the time, but that does not mean the water cannot be used to run the washing machine, sink, shower and toilets in the home. A complete cistern system with filtration and capture system in place could cost about $1000 for 800 gallons of water. The total savings, however, could be far greater.

Taking into account the cost of one month’s water usage for a family of four, the 800 gallon cistern could save that family $5000 over 5 year’s time. (Assuming the water bill is $100 a month). In some regions, the savings could be far greater and in others a bit less. Setting up the home rainwater capture system and cistern takes very little time and can be contracted out for less than a year’s water bill.

When Will the Rainwater Cistern Not Be Valuable?

If the homeowner lives in a region where rain is limited, say Nevada, the rainwater cistern may not prove a money saver. But, in the state of Florida, where rain falls on a weekly basis, the rainwater system is an invaluable addition to the home.

Selling a home with a rainwater upgrade is another reason to invest in the system. The home buyer will notice the upgrade and appreciate the fact that the water bill will be very low compared to other homes they could buy. As an eco-friendly option, the rainwater cistern is a very small investment that continues to give back to the homeowner for many years to come.

Other Eco-Friendly Home Changes That Cost Very Little

With green homes bringing in more green, the least expensive the eco-friendly upgrade, the better the investment value for the homeowner. Additions to the home that cost very little include retractable clothes lines, energy efficient light bulbs and new weather proof stripping on windows and doors all scream money saving to the potential home buyer. In the state of Florida, where the temperatures are hot more days than not, lining the windows with a UV blocking film can reduce the heat in the home and thus the need for air conditioning.
The more people choose to go green, the less going green will cost. The market is not primed for the home seller, but with a few cheap green changes, the once stagnant home can jump off the for sale list.