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40d:Cistern
This page is under construction
Basics
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.
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 task of keeping the cistern full (but not overflowing).
For detailed instructions on setting up a working well, see the well guide.