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Difference between revisions of "40d:Cistern"
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| − | + | A '''cistern''' is a large underground tank for storing water. | |
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| − | A cistern is a large underground tank for storing water. | ||
Producing a cistern does not involve constructing a specific building, but rather by hollowing out a great underground chamber, routing [[water]] to it, and ideally capping it with a [[well]] for easy access. | Producing a cistern does not involve constructing a specific building, but rather by hollowing out a great underground chamber, routing [[water]] to it, and ideally capping it with a [[well]] for easy access. | ||
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{{Water FAQ}} | {{Water FAQ}} | ||
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| + | [[Category:Design]] | ||
Revision as of 18:33, 29 December 2008
A cistern is a large underground tank for storing water. Producing a cistern does not involve constructing a specific building, but rather by hollowing out a great underground chamber, routing water to it, and ideally capping it with a well for easy access.
Construction
To build a cistern, carve out an empty space in your fort on a z-level below a convenient location for a well. Depending on your needs, you may wish to make it several z-levels deep, or simply very wide, or both. Your cistern is likely to need a series of scaffolding during construction, or you may simply choose to incorporate stone stairs into the design. Also, it should go without saying that you'll need to channel the floor away between the z-levels of the cistern. Finally, you need to route water to the cistern, likely by tapping into a river. (And regulating the intake via a floodgate.)
Why do I need one?
Water which is "inside" does not freeze in winter. This means that your well will continue to function, providing water to your injured dwarves, and backup hydration should you run low of alcohol. Also, it has been suggested that in the future, brewing will require water. Finally, one may simply rest easier knowing that you have a ten years supply of fresh water to match your ten years pile of quarry bush leaves, and will live on even if the forces of darkness somehow block your river.
Customization
While the basics of a cistern are very plain, one can apply a great deal of personalization to your cistern. It can be completely cube shaped, rectangular, or circular. You can have a floodgate or hatchcover leading to a drain, perhaps to a chasm. This will allow you to drain and maintain your cistern. You may also want to smooth all the relevant stone, it makes it look much nicer. Finally, you might want to use pressure plates to automate the intake floodgate, keeping the cistern full (but not overflowing).
For detailed instructions on setting up a working well, see the well guide.