--Neighbor Island water partners join Kaua`i to host 'Make a Splash'--

LIHUE – Water partners from the neighbor islands along with Kauai-based water agencies joined the Department of Water (DOW) to host the state’s largest and only water education festival, the Make a Splash with Project WET (Water Education Today) Festival at the Vidinha Stadium soccer field in Lihue on Friday, Sept. 15th.
“This event is an inspiring demonstration of teamwork, educational connections and the value of water,” said Jonell Kaohelauli’i, DOW’s Information and Education Specialist and Project WET Hawaii's state coordinator. “Water agencies from across the state come together to help teach and inspire students, offering them the knowledge and experience that promotes critical thinking to make informed decisions about how they can contribute to wise water use and environmental stewardship."
DOW hosted 562 fifth grade students and included more than 240 volunteers over a 2-day period at this year's festival. Participating volunteer groups included representatives from their neighbor island offices and state agencies from Kaua`i, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island.
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‘Make a Splash’ brings together parents, students, teachers, government agencies, local water organizations and businesses to raise awareness for water education and conservation. Students participate in dynamic hands-on activities, games and educational exhibits and learn how this vital natural resource affects water-dependent activities including agriculture, recreation, groundwater, local industries and wildlife habitats. The festival features activities from Project WET, an award-winning curriculum of water education activities, in addition to partner-sponsored activities from local organizations. This year, DOW featured 8 Project WET activities and 3 partner-guided activities from Aqua Engineers, Inc., Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
DOW would like to thank the following water partners for their commitment to water education and their commendable efforts towards making this year’s ‘Make a Splash’ a success: Aqua Engineers, Inc., American Water Works Association-Hawaii Section, Bowers and Kubota, LLC., Carollo Engineers, Inc., DLNR – Aquatic Resources, DLNR – Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Health- Safe Drinking Water Branch, East and West Kaua`i Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Grove Farm Land Corporation, Hawaii Rural Water Association, Hawaii Water Environmental Association, NOAA – Marine Animal Rescue Program, Kapa’a High School JROTC Program, Kaua`i Bus, Kaua`i Farm Bureau, UH-CTAHR, Kaua`i Community College – Early Childhood Education Program, Kodani and Associates Engineers, LLC., The Nature Conservancy, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water, LLC. and participating DOW staff and retirees.

Here's why:  The effects on rainwater harvesting (for domestic use) are significant for those living downwind of the eruption.
​Increased levels of acidity for rainfall events are mainly due to the elevated sulfur emissions (presenting as sulfuric acid) as well as additional concentrations of carbonic acid. Acidic rain will eat through brass releasing lead into the water.

When pH measurements for rainfall are on the order of 4-5, neutralizing the acid levels can be handled with the addition of baking soda monthly at a rate of about 1 pound dissolved for every 3,000 gallons of water in a catchment tank (raising alkalinity 20 ppm). Monitoring of the alkalinity levels should be used to maintain acceptable water quality in the range of 40-80 ppm. If using pH test strips, a good rule of thumb would be to maintain a pH lever greater than 6.5.

So, what should you be concerned about when it comes to your health?

Acid Rain by far is the highest concern due to the leaching of heavy metals from plumbing components into your water supply (copper, lead, cadmium, zinc, iron, etc.)

Sulfate Levels – baking soda converts this into a soluble salt similar to Epsom Salt. If left untreated, high sulfate levels promote bacteria growth resulting in a distinctive rotten egg smell.

Concrete Tanks – if you rely on a concrete tank to neutralize your rainwater without extra treatment, think again. Maintaining an alkalinity level of 80-120 ppm in concrete tanks is recommended to prevent structural damage.

NOTE: You’ll need to test the pH levels each time it rains to know how much more baking soda to use or add Uncle Tilo’s Acid Rain Mineral Pack which dissolve continuously.  It may take up to a week to regulate the pH, during this time you may need to add baking soda along with the Acid Rain Mineral Pack.
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Scroll down on this link to learn more about Acid Rain Mineral Pack: https://www.tiloscleanwater.com/products.html

original post from April 2020

(original post April 2020)

Fyi--- Uncle Tilo's seems like a really good company with integrity. Though I have not hired him myself I did recently meet him as him and his partner (I forget her name) have decided to begin running the Pahoa Entrepreneur Meetups (on alternate months that the Hilo SBDC is not running them, which they only do quarterly).
So Uncle Tilo (Todd?) and his partner run these meetings to help educate and offer support to other small businesses in the area.
They seemed really helpful, kind and genuine when I met them last month. If I needed a catchment service I would definitely call them based on my interaction with them.
Best wishes!!

"When we share requirements for maintenance, upgrades for performance, best practices for water conveyance, and what is required for pathogen free water for household use and consumption, Tilo & Archer have accomplished their goal – Empowerment through Clean Water Education.

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water team have offered 70+ Free Clean Water Classes at their storefront in the Pahoa Marketplace as well as around the island.

The quality of your water is a direct link to the quality of your health. Clean Water = Healthy Communities! Water is the foundation of all living things. Without Clean Water eventually all infrastructure will fail.

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water team publishes in the Tribune Herald, Ka’u Calendar, Facebook and Water News on our website monthly education tips for Rainwater Harvesters. They have received Best of Best East Side Hawai’i for 4 years running. The Education tab on their website is a great resource for Rainwater Harvesters to also start."

If you need test strips or Acid Rain Mineral Pack call Mike at the storefront at 808.965.1026
for availability before making the drive as these items are selling quickly.

The more you know the safer you and your family's water supply will be.
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TilosCleanWater.com

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Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC is dedicated to educating and inspiring Rainwater Harvesters about how water is essential, invaluable, and needs investment.

Our approach to messaging is that it should be simple, flexible, and effective and to reach audiences outside the Hawaiian Islands. 

​It is important to talk about water in a way that helps people connect water to their daily lives.

Happy Earth Day everyone! Today, we are reminded of the importance of protecting our planet and its precious resources. Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC is dedicated to doing its part to ensure that you make the most of your water, one of the world's most precious resources.

On this Earth Day, we urge everyone to join us in taking action to protect our planet. Whether it's by learning about safe water harvesting, using eco-friendly products, or supporting sustainable companies, every little bit counts.
Let's work together to create a sustainable future for our planet and ensure that future generations have access to clean and safe water. Happy Earth Day!

​#EarthDay #WaterConservation #Sustainability #GoGreen #CleanWater

"I felt so grateful and amazed by the friendliness, resiliency, and beauty of your community and island. So much so that I felt compelled to write a second book about rainwater treatment! In the meantime, I have teamed up with Cassie at Basically Books @bbookshilo to offer my book, "Harvesting Rainwater for Your Homestead in 9 Days or Less" at your local Hilo bookstore!

I got to visit and speak to many people in Hilo, Pahoa, and the surrounding areas through the help of Archer and Tilo, and they recommended that I offer my book through other means besides Amazon. You spoke up, and I heard!

If you are ever passing by Hilo, please be sure to give Cassie and Basically Books a hello. They have been very gracious and kind, and they have informed me that the books are fast leaving their store. If you are on catchment and are in need of advice, be sure to pick up your copy today, or ask Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC for their always-friendly advice.  I hope you enjoy, and your feedback is always welcomed.

You can check out the Amazon page of the book here: https://a.co/d/ganqGZ6
"I am so thrilled to have my hands on this book. With this book, I feel like I definitely have the knowledge to be able to implement my own system and be confident that I chose something that works well for my needs on my property." Laura, Texas
"I spent many, many months planning such a system for my homestead when I wished this book was available back then. It would have saved me tons of researching!" - Danny, Alabama

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to see this book in other locations throughout Hawai'i.
Mahalo....Renee"

Fix a Leak Week! Quick, Easy & Free!

Simply drop a couple leak detector tablets into the back of your toilet tank and wait 15 minutes.
As the tablets dissolve, they turn the water blue.
If the water in your toilet bowl has any traces of blue water,
​you have a leaking flapper and it signals that it's time to replace it.

​Boom, just like that you started saving water!  Every drop counts!