Uncle Tilo, aka Todd Lolla, owner
Uncle Tilo grew up in the Midwest and remembers harvesting rainwater on his family’s dairy farm up thru the mid 1970’s. He is a graduate of the South Dakota School of Mines, with a degree in Geological Engineering, and enjoyed a career in Arizona that combined both consulting and contractor skills. Some of his first projects while working for a civil engineering firm in Phoenix involved groundwater studies and the subsequent cleanup of fuel spills at gasoline stations. This eventually led to his being licensed as a well driller in Arizona for a period of 10 years. His focus on groundwater issues also moved him to later specialize in stormwater management where he worked with state environmental agencies during most of the 1990’s to set standards for the protection of groundwater across the desert Southwest. Uncle Tilo's diverse background and expertise in water management and engineering is a testimonial now for rainwater harvesters.
His journey from the Midwest to Arizona and eventually to Hawaii showcases his commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. His experience in groundwater studies, stormwater management, and well drilling highlights his dedication to ensuring clean water access for communities. The establishment of Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC with its educational platform was born in 2017 further demonstrates his passion for educating others on the importance of water quality and disinfection. His partnership with Archer and their certification as educators for Project WET underscores their commitment to spreading awareness about water conservation and sustainable personal water supply. Uncle Tilo's contributions in this field are invaluable, especially in regions like Hawaii where rain catchment systems play a crucial role in providing potable water.
His journey from the Midwest to Arizona and eventually to Hawaii showcases his commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. His experience in groundwater studies, stormwater management, and well drilling highlights his dedication to ensuring clean water access for communities. The establishment of Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC with its educational platform was born in 2017 further demonstrates his passion for educating others on the importance of water quality and disinfection. His partnership with Archer and their certification as educators for Project WET underscores their commitment to spreading awareness about water conservation and sustainable personal water supply. Uncle Tilo's contributions in this field are invaluable, especially in regions like Hawaii where rain catchment systems play a crucial role in providing potable water.
Uncle Tilo Teaches Water is Life
keolamagazine.com/sustainability/uncle-tilo/
Archer
Archer, a woman who embarked on a transformative journey at the age of 46, leaving behind her familiar life to explore the world and immerse herself in new countries, cultures, and communities. Traveling solo across twenty-two countries, she embraced various modes of transportation, from hitch-hiking and trains to planes and automobiles, while staying with locals as a couch surfer, home sitter, and volunteer. Her experiences living in fourteen intentional communities, some reliant on rainwater, underscored the critical importance of water quality for overall health and well-being.
Upon her return to the United States, Archer's awareness of water disparities was heightened as she traversed all 50 states and numerous National Parks in her RV, noticing variations in water taste, smell, and quality. The Flint, Michigan water crisis further fueled her curiosity and concern about water issues both domestically and globally. Engaging with water advocacy groups, she became involved with ARCSA in 2016.
In collaboration with her partner Todd Lolla, known as Uncle Tilo, Archer established Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC in the Pahoa Marketplace in 2017. Their storefront became a hub for promoting water education, initially focusing on Rainwater Harvesters and later expanding to include well and municipal water users in the Puna community. Both Archer and Todd are certified educators for Project WET, equipped to deliver valuable insights on water conservation and sustainability in classrooms and community centers.
Upon her return to the United States, Archer's awareness of water disparities was heightened as she traversed all 50 states and numerous National Parks in her RV, noticing variations in water taste, smell, and quality. The Flint, Michigan water crisis further fueled her curiosity and concern about water issues both domestically and globally. Engaging with water advocacy groups, she became involved with ARCSA in 2016.
In collaboration with her partner Todd Lolla, known as Uncle Tilo, Archer established Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC in the Pahoa Marketplace in 2017. Their storefront became a hub for promoting water education, initially focusing on Rainwater Harvesters and later expanding to include well and municipal water users in the Puna community. Both Archer and Todd are certified educators for Project WET, equipped to deliver valuable insights on water conservation and sustainability in classrooms and community centers.
Mike - Store Manager and Content Producer
Mike Malone dedicated an impressive quarter-century of his life at the helm of a thriving photography and video production enterprise. Throughout this remarkable journey, he embarked on awe-inspiring globetrotting adventures that allowed him to contribute his creative talents to various sectors, including agriculture, nature, and various non-profit organizations. Each project undertaken by Mike was imbued with a singular purpose: to craft narratives that were authentic, compelling, and had the power to resonate with viewers, ultimately increasing their meaningful impact.
Outside the professional realm, Mike eagerly pursues many passions and interests. He is an avid cyclist and scuba diver. He enjoys the diverse hiking opportunities on the Big Island of Hawai'i as often as he can. He is also a regular volunteer at Volcanos National Park, contributing his time and effort to preserving this cherished natural wonder's beauty and ecological significance.
In his multifaceted role at Uncle Tilo's, Mike is the store manager and the creative force behind Uncle Tilo's digital content. His passion for storytelling and content creation finds a new outlet in this dynamic role, where he continues to utilize his artistic talents to help empower the community to harness the potential of rainwater harvesting effectively and responsibly.
Outside the professional realm, Mike eagerly pursues many passions and interests. He is an avid cyclist and scuba diver. He enjoys the diverse hiking opportunities on the Big Island of Hawai'i as often as he can. He is also a regular volunteer at Volcanos National Park, contributing his time and effort to preserving this cherished natural wonder's beauty and ecological significance.
In his multifaceted role at Uncle Tilo's, Mike is the store manager and the creative force behind Uncle Tilo's digital content. His passion for storytelling and content creation finds a new outlet in this dynamic role, where he continues to utilize his artistic talents to help empower the community to harness the potential of rainwater harvesting effectively and responsibly.
Monthly Maintenance & Upgrade Specialist
F’tahn Bey is field trained by Uncle Tilo and received his certification from ARCSA - American Rainwater Catchment System Association. Before becoming a Clean Water Partner, F’tahn Bey attended the University Of Hawai'i at Manoa where he achieved his B.A in Psychology. F’tahn worked as a teacher and assistant counselor for years in both Hawai'i as well as California, delivering change in the classroom: https://greatschoolvoices.org/2018/03/oaklands-geniuses-teacher-reflects-boundless-potential-students/
Raised on Oahu, he understands the need to align with the community in a healthy way and the profound importance of sharing resources and knowledge with one another. According to F’tahn, his focus is to be of service to the community by maximizing and merging not only his own experiences but his willingness to learn. He believes in being a lifelong learner. F'tahn has decided to transfer and implement the drive he held in the classroom into the challenges of catching, storing and maintaining clean rainwater for household use and consumption. F’tahn is a dedicated husband, father of 5 and new home owner in Puna. When he’s not assisting the community with Clean Water.
Raised on Oahu, he understands the need to align with the community in a healthy way and the profound importance of sharing resources and knowledge with one another. According to F’tahn, his focus is to be of service to the community by maximizing and merging not only his own experiences but his willingness to learn. He believes in being a lifelong learner. F'tahn has decided to transfer and implement the drive he held in the classroom into the challenges of catching, storing and maintaining clean rainwater for household use and consumption. F’tahn is a dedicated husband, father of 5 and new home owner in Puna. When he’s not assisting the community with Clean Water.
If you desire monthly maintenance and/or Rainwater Harvesting upgrades call F'tahn at 808.765.7234
Water Hauler
You're in good hands with
Julian Water Hauling 808.965.8428
Let him know Uncle Tilo sent you!
Water tankers that look clean and shiny on the outside could be harboring rust, decay, pathogens, or contaminants on the inside. To legally be a commercial water hauler, a truck owner must have a Public Utilities Certificate (PUC). A PUC still does not guarantee that the water comes from a clean source or is carried in a clean container. Haulers may, at their own expense, certify their tanks for safe water hauling. According to the HDOH Safe Drinking Water Branch,(39) state regulations require HDOH to ensure that truckers hauling water from a public water system meet procedures or standards specified by the department.
Water haulers transporting water to private homes are not subject to such health procedures or standards. When shopping for a water hauler, ask whether the hauler is currently approved by the HDOH. Truckers hauling water to private businesses such as restaurants are approved by the department.
HDOH approval provides the following assurances:
(1) that the tank is used only to transport water and not petroleum products or chemicals
(2) that the tank has been tested for coliform and bacteria contamination
(3) that a visual inspection has been conducted to provide confirmation that the water tank is sealed and that the water will not be contaminated during transportation. This approval is valid for one year.
Be sure you are not getting water from a container that normally carries non-potable water.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your water hauler. Avoid giving up quality for price, it's your health!
Often during droughts, there are not enough haulers to meet the demand. Just about anyone who can carry water can find desperate people to sell water to. Plan ahead before a drought hits and find a hauler you trust.
Water haulers transporting water to private homes are not subject to such health procedures or standards. When shopping for a water hauler, ask whether the hauler is currently approved by the HDOH. Truckers hauling water to private businesses such as restaurants are approved by the department.
HDOH approval provides the following assurances:
(1) that the tank is used only to transport water and not petroleum products or chemicals
(2) that the tank has been tested for coliform and bacteria contamination
(3) that a visual inspection has been conducted to provide confirmation that the water tank is sealed and that the water will not be contaminated during transportation. This approval is valid for one year.
Be sure you are not getting water from a container that normally carries non-potable water.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your water hauler. Avoid giving up quality for price, it's your health!
Often during droughts, there are not enough haulers to meet the demand. Just about anyone who can carry water can find desperate people to sell water to. Plan ahead before a drought hits and find a hauler you trust.
Always keep an eye on the levels in your tank and plan ahead!
Water is too essential to wait.
Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC offers programs to secure a clean and sustainable water future for all. Established in 2017, the company is a recognized organization that educates the true value of water, accelerates free clean water education and programs to those on well, municipal and rainwater catchment, and celebrates innovation in water disinfection. Uncle Tilo's Clean Water brings together diverse interests to identify and advance common-ground, achievable solutions to our pressing water challenges.