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→Cistern Pump Testing
==Cistern Pump Testing==
==Cistern Pump Testing==
Most [[Rainwater harvesting|rainwater cisterns]] are placed in basements or outdoors, and require a pump to distribute the water to service its designated locations throughout the property, generally located at higher elevations. Typically, a pump is arranged with a pressure tank, which includes a centrifugal pump that draws the water out of the storage tank and into the pressure tank, where it is stored and ready for distribution. As part of this distribution system, an appropriately sized pump is required to produce a sufficient flow to efficiently transport water that feeds into the pressure tank. With prolonged usage, the pump capacity may decline, which would be reflected by a reduction in flow rate.
===Flow Rate testing
A simple flow rate measurement using a bucket, stopwatch and volume measurement device (e.g., graduated cylinder) at the [[outlet]] location can reveal whether the pump is functioning. Once the flow rate is measured the value can be compared to the design flow rate. If the pump is not creating sufficient pressure, then the flow rate will be inadequate. If the flow rate is below the design specification, servicing of the pump by a skilled technician should be scheduled.
===Water Quality Testing===
In addition to confirming that the pump is functioning and checking on the flow rate, routinely conducting cistern pump tests also provides the opportunity to visually inspect the water produced by the system. If the water delivered from the cistern is discoloured or highly turbid (i.e., murky), it indicates that the pretreatment device or filtration system is malfunctioning or needs maintenance.
==Embedded Reference Guide==
==Embedded Reference Guide==