==Suitable conditions ==
{{Climate_change
|heading1=Drought effects on cement tanks
|text1='''Effects of drought''': Badly made concrete and cracked linings (e.g. in tanks). <br>'''Underlying causes of effects''': Less water used for curing; Impure water used for mixing. <br>'''To increase resiliency of WASH system''': Ensure adequate mixing, ratios, purity of ingredients; Minimize water content in mixture; Ensure adequate curing.
}}
The area should be suitable for [[rainwater harvesting]]. Depending on the design the capacity of the tank varies from 3,500 to 20,000 liters.
==Construction, operations and maintenance==
'''General advice on cement''': A common cause of cracks in structures and linings (e.g. in tanks, dams, waterways, wells) is errors in mixing and applying the cement. First of all, it is important that only pure ingredients are used: clean water, clean sand, clean rocks. The materials have to be mixed very thoroughly. Secondly, the amount of water during mixing needs to minimal: the concrete or cement needs to be just workable, on the dry side even, and not fluid. Thirdly, it is essential that during curing the cement or concrete is kept moist at all times, for at least a week. Structures should be covered with plastic, large leaves or other materials during the curing period, and kept wet regularly.
'''Specific advice''':
There are many kinds of underground tanks built, using different materials and different sizes. Below are instructions on how to build a tank as low cost as possible, however cement tanks and prefabricated plastic tanks can be built or bought depending on community needs and suitable environment.