Monasteries have traditionally been designed to be self-sufficient communities, and a reliable water supply is a crucial part of this. Many monasteries, particularly those in arid or semi-arid regions or those located on hilltops away from reliable water sources, have historically included some form of water collection and storage system in their design.

One common feature is the cistern, a large tank designed to store water. Cisterns have been used in many parts of the world since ancient times, and they were incorporated into many monastery designs throughout history. The cistern would typically collect rainwater, which could be used for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, washing, irrigation, and even for operating some machinery.

The design of the cistern would often reflect the local climate and resources. They were sometimes built underground to keep the water cool and prevent evaporation. In other cases, they might have been covered or incorporated into the monastery's architecture differently. In addition to cisterns, some monasteries had wells or were located near springs or streams to ensure a consistent water supply.

The Kykkos Monastery, like many monastic complexes, would have required a reliable water source for its religious and communal functions.