Using Cistern Water

Paul,
I guess your "problem" could be your cistern water. Ours is like water out of a softner system. The only thing we have noticed is a slight metallic taste when it hasn't rained for a few weeks. That hasn't been a problem lately. :>))

I would like an "in depth" (so to speak) discussion of CISTERNS. Are there publications that tell you how to best collect, treat, store ..etc...your cistern water??

How do some of you do it.? Since I am not full time I just sort of hope I don't run out.

What about grey water? What about too much? not enough? contamination?

Someone needs to write an instruction manual? Has that already been done?

Thanks
bd

Some homeowners place chemicals in the cistern to keep it clean / keep down bacterial growth. It is possible that you're having a reaction to these chemicals. You might ask your landlord, if you are renting.

There are also possible issues with paint on your roof. Remember that the runoff is what you drink; so most roofs here must be fit for human consumption in trace amounts.

Either way, there are companies that will test the water purity for a reasonable fee. It might be a good idea to check one out.

Hello,

A cistern manual..... hummm 🙂 I am sure one exist will keep an eye out.

As for your questions bd, most homes are built with either a somewhat flat roof to catch the rain and direct it to pipes to the cistern or a pitched roof with gutters and pipes. I never have had to treat my cistern water. Stored in cement cistern. Too much water - there is an overflow the water spills out the cistern - it would be poor construction not to have this. To little water you can buy from water delivery trucks. Grey water - many hotels and large properties use this for the yard ect. You have to clean your roof, clean the drains and from time to time clean the cistern - you would be amazed the stuff that gathers at the bottom after say 10 years. 🙂 When hurricanes are coming we tend to plug up the drain on the roof so debris doesnt go into the pipes...

Paul,

If your landlord recently bought water that might be a factor too - I find its often clorinated or treated in some way.

Other factors to consider: Are you spending much time in the sun - your skin might be dry because of this - might need to use some vaseline intensive care with aloe cream or something along those lines. Also if you go swimming a lot at the beach this will also dry out your skin making it feel dry/itchy. Swimming pool usage??? Is your place air conditioned?? Laundry detergent you are using for your clothes and sheets?? Consider using a light skin cream if you arent and see if that helps.

--Islander

I have just the reverse problem - my skin actually stops itching when I'm in the warm, somewhat more humid VIs bathing in soft water. Here at home it's coming onto winter, the heat is on, the humidity is low and my tap water is well water and extremely "hard". The itching started right after I moved into this home from an apartment about 5 miles away (so same climate) but with a different, softer water source (river). So Paul, your problem might just be that your skin is in shock over the softer wate. For sure it takes more care to rinse soap off in soft water, and you need less of it.

Thanks all.
1. Landlord said yes they added 1 gallon of something to the water. We were talking through a closed door so I couldn't ask if it had been added just recently.

2. It is a cement cistern, one wall of which is my living room wall. I have seen where they check how high the water is getting and there is an overflow drain.

3. We have luckily, not had to buy water, as I would share in it's arrival.

4. Been in the sun carefully (sunburn two days ago) but, perhaps related.

5. Dry skin can be itchy, yes, but my skin feels moist to the touch much of the........most likely the salt water in the air? My open window and front door are like 25 feet or so from the splashing surf.

5. Detergent is Non-allergenic brand ALL.
6. Swimming pool will be salt water but is not currently filled.
7. No air-conditioning.
8. Landlady told me that another female tenant had complained the water was turning her hair Green! (Wonder if that's why they "added" something to the cistern?)

Guess I need to follow up with the Landlady and find out if whaterver was added was done recently.....I've been here going on two months and it is mostly a recent issue.

Paul,
I understand your problem is one to take seriously, but I was just sitting here thinking. Would we be having this conversation if we still lived in the states? Ain't living in the USVI grand?

Yes it is and I'll itch away - probably as simple as no seeums getting me when I go, barefoot and in in short pants, outside as the day ends, to catch any possible photos, especially with this "strange" weather stuff. I'll try spraying myself before I step out.

Landlady said no, she had not recently added anything to the water but mentioned that when she adds a gallon to the x number of gallons in the cistern, it's a drop in the bucket! No one else is itchy so I guess it's just this new comer!!!!!!
LOL.
Love Our Land!!!............and the sea, and the..........

prickly heat or heat rash, try some gold bond powder

Yes Lisa, I think as it resolved itself, which it thankfully seems to be doing, heat rash was the story. I'd gotten a bit too much sun a couple of days and foolishly didn't realize it until........oops too late. I also think I'm kinda dried out as it's now kinda flakey so Islanders' advice about a good aloe based lotion also seems to be just the ticket. Man go figure, I think I'm moist and slimy and my skin says no you're dried out! Oh well, thanks all for the personal advice on this one.

All part of learning to live in the islands! you will be a pro in no time.

--Islander