Rain Water Cistern Winter Update

Watching the rainwater cistern evolve into breathtaking ice sculpture shapes has been a definite plus in the front garden this winter season. Every morning my 10-year-old daughter runs to the front window to see the latest excitement.

Above you see a photo taken last summer shortly after Aquascape, Inc.* installed the RainXchange System. The rainwater cistern is four feet deep, thereby allowing the water to stay below the frost line and the water fountain to work all winter. Below you see the result – we call it the ice volcano. It is a mini-mountain of ice sculpture with just a small hole open at the top (photo at right) where you can see the water moving.

As long as the pump is on, it continues to keep water movement, allowing the fountain to function. The mountain happens because of the water splash surrounding the fountain. Tiny droplets pile on top of one another, freezing to eventually form a strong ice sculpture. I have tried to hammer the ice sculpture to break it and it is as hard as steel, so we will just have to wait for the big thaw.

What ways are you using rainwater in your garden?

*Special note – – Aquascape, Inc. sponsored the installation of this residential RainXchange System in exchange for my services. This sponsorship does NOT affect my opinion about rainwater collection or rainwater cisterns, which I believe are amazingly good for the environment. I have loved the product!