The tops of cisterns are exposed to the environment and experience decay and weathering.
Cisterns can also collapse when equipment is driven over or someone walks across the top.
After a time, many cisterns fall into a state of disrepair or nonuse that precludes operation for the original purpose. In time, these cisterns are forgotten. Eventually, all traces of old cisterns disappear, especially after property transfers, lawns have covered them over, or construction activities or other camouflage have hidden or obscured them. Many cisterns have become obsolete or abandoned because of electrification and general modernization of homes and installation of water delivery systems. Abandoned cisterns exist in many locations.