Water Supply Cistern - Chest Springs, Pennsylvania
 
By President Mark Davis
August 9, 2012
 

The small, Borough of Chest Springs, Pennsylvania, located in rural Cambria County installed three, underground cisterns during the 1950's for fire protection purposes. The cistern highlighted in this article is located at a church in the Borough. The cistern was installed during construction of the church.

The cistern holds approximately 30,000 gallons of water and is built of concrete and brick. Like many older style cisterns, the unique feature is that the gutters and downspouts from the church feed the cistern to keep it full. Chief Joe Racz and the folks from the Ashville Volunteer Fire Company have used the cisterns many times over the years.

The photos were taken during an Ashville VFC company drill night. Of course - they are using two suction tubes "just because!" as states Chief Racz.

Many thanks to Chief Racz for taking time to share the information with us.
 
Ashville E603 (2,250 gpm) drafts using dual suctions from the 30,000-gallon cistern.
Ashville E603 (2,250 gpm) drafts using dual suctions from the 30,000-gallon cistern.
The cistern is one of three located in the Borough of Chest Springs.
The cistern is one of three located in the Borough of Chest Springs.
 
The cistern was constructed in the 1950's and is located on the grounds of a church.
The cistern was constructed in the 1950's and is located on the grounds of a church.
Built of concrete block and brick, the cistern is fed by stormwater run-off from the church's gutters and downspouts.
Built of concrete block and brick, the cistern is fed by stormwater run-off from the church's gutters and downspouts.