STRIPPING DOWN

After letting the concrete cure for a week the crew returned to pull the forms.  Dan was pleased with what he found.  The vibrating worked to settle everything tight so there were no honeycombs.  Once all forms are stripped, the inside of the cistern will be made water-tight with multiple coats of sealant.  The outside walls will also be sealed and drain pipe installed around the perimeter before we back-fill and grade for the slab that will connect the cistern to the rest of the cottage and cap it.  The aerobic septic system will also be installed at that point.   Prevailing winds from the east dictate placement on the west/downwind side.  Aerobic systems are efficient and compact and don't require leach fields.  The sterilized effluent is great for fertilizing gardens or crops.  We hope to grow great crops of dental floss.

The big reveal.  Pulling off the forms.

Inside the west cistern.  The reservoir is more than 8' deep which you can see bythe seam that was left at the top of the 8' forms.  Multiple coats of sealant will be applied before pouring the cop.