Use of rainwater

Hello to all house builders....

I have some questions about the use of rainwater:

- How clean is the rainwater
- How often do I have to clean the cistern
- Do algae or similar (leaves, etc.) form in the cistern

Would you install something like this again or do you advise against it? What problems or experiences do you have with it?

Thanks in advance for the answers and have a nice evening!

Hello lox2,
I have only had positive experiences with the use of rainwater so far. My father-in-law has been using it for at least 15 years. He has never had any problems with it, except when it doesn’t rain for a long time. Then the tank is simply empty. In our house, I now also have a tank and use it for the garden and the toilets.
Now to your questions:
1. The rainwater is basically clean. Of course, you should install a filter at the inlet to keep leaves and similar debris out. Above all, rainwater is very low in lime.
2. You won’t really be able to clean the cistern often because there is almost always water in it.
3. Algae will not form if no light can enter the cistern.
Rainwater can be used, as already mentioned, for the garden, toilet flushing, and the washing machine.
Although not everyone wants to use it for the washing machine, as the laundry may possibly smell musty.
Have fun with your rainwater usage.
Regards
Peter

Thank you for the answer!
How does saving work, can I save this "rainwater tax"?

How much does a, say, 5,000-liter concrete cistern including installation cost?
At our intended building plot (fully developed), there are two sewers, one for household wastewater and one for rainwater. That’s why I wanted to have a cistern installed and then have the overflow connected to the rainwater sewer. With a pump, you have a good reservoir for garden irrigation or car washing and need to pay significantly less for surface drainage.

How much does such a system cost? I mean, if the excavator is already digging the foundation for the base slab, he can just as well make the hole for the cistern, right?