I have a friend from Down Under, he lives in suburban Canberra. He told me most residents had a water tank, outside, with the bottom about 4 feet above the top floor. This allowed gravity flow to second floor sinks and toilets. They used Bromine instead of Chlorine in their swimming pools, so I assume they used it for water sanitizing also. The tanks in that area were kept full by a regular rainfall, but 10 days was considered a drought! I believe the houses were connected to a city sewer system in the 60's, but "Free" water was the norm in that area.
My grandfathers farm (North Central Ohio) had a cistern for the house and a 250' deep well he had installed in the late 50's. The cistern was only a few thousand gallons and rain fed, and the barns had a similar system. But USDA grading codes changed and to have Grade A milk you had to have a adequate well or on a water line. You also had to have a refrigerated stainless bulk tank. (and so ended the era of the Milk Cans and water chillers) The Amish are allowed deasil power for both but if on any other system their milk will be Grade B and that is why there is so much Amish cheese.
My farm house (built 1879) came with a cistern and was around 500 gallons, and was roof fed. During pre move in remodeling, I opened the cover, dropped in a sump pump emptied it and started plumbing repairs. The 15 or 20 small animal skeletons convinced me to concentrate on the 19 foot deep well instead! I had a 120 gallon pressure tank & a 120 gallon "Static" tank (allows the choline time to work).
During one of the major power outrages, I took the well power line and installed an outlet and plug connection just outside the breaker box. This allowed me to run a generator extension cord to the basement for about a half hour to flush the toilets and refill the pressure tank. (we usually took showers at the gym anyway)
Just some of the joys of rural living!
Ivan
