Kelly O'Leary with Infection Preventionist (Big Island), Hawaii Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division, Healthcare Associated Infections Branch

Join us for our next First Saturday Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water Class and be part of an important conversation about protecting your family's water and health.

This month we're excited to welcome Kelley O'Leary, Infection Preventionist with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division, Healthcare Associated Infections Branch. Kelley will be speaking about Rat Lungworm Disease, prevention strategies, and will be providing FREE Slug Jugs for attendees while supplies last.

We'll also hear from Uncle Tilo, fresh back from the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) Technical Symposium in Texas, where rainwater harvesting professionals from across the country gathered to discuss education, standards, research, and the future of rainwater catchment. Tilo will share key takeaways from the symposium and provide an update on Hawaiʻi House Bill 1728 and what it could mean for households on rainwater catchment.
The quality of your water is a direct link to the quality of your health.

Whether you're new to catchment or have been harvesting rainwater for years, this class is designed to provide practical information you can use immediately.  Bring your questions, bring a friend, and join the conversation.

TilosCleanWater.com
Your Water. Your Responsibility. Our Support.

See you 10am on Saturday, June 6th!
15-1839 32nd, Hawaiian Paradise Park

Paul Ridgely – UTCW Water Partner | Kaʻū District

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water is proud to welcome Paul Ridgely as an official UTCW Water Partner serving the Kaʻū District.
Paul brings nearly two decades of professional plumbing experience to Hawaiʻi’s growing rainwater harvesting movement. As a highly skilled Master Plumber with 19 years in the field, he is recognized for his precision, reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality workmanship. Having called Hawaiʻi home for the past six years, Paul has developed a deep appreciation for the unique water challenges and responsibilities faced by island households living on catchment.

Committed to advancing his expertise in rainwater harvesting, Paul successfully completed the ARCSA Rainwater Catchment Systems Designer International credential, demonstrating formal training aligned with national rainwater harvesting standards and best practices. He has also completed hands-on field training with Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water to ensure alignment with UTCW standards, professionalism, and community-centered service.

Paul’s addition to the UTCW Water Partner network represents another important step forward in raising the standard for rainwater harvesting education, service, workforce development and water quality protection throughout Hawaiʻi. Understanding that homes on catchment are their own Water Departments, Paul is passionate about helping families protect their water quality, improve system performance, and build long-term sustainability and confidence in their catchment systems.
He proudly joins UTCW’s mission of empowering households to become confident, self-reliant Rainwater Harvesters.

Services Offered Include:

• Catchment Inspection Reports (CIR)
• Tank Cleaning
• Monthly Maintenance
• System Upgrades
• Service Plumbing
  
•   Paul Ridgely – UTCW Water Partner | Kaʻū District   808-987-2409

​For nearly nine years, Uncle Tilo has shown up for our community with a simple but powerful mission, helping those on catchment become confident, sustainable Rainwater Harvesters. Through free community classes, consultations, hands-on support, and trusted products and services, he has dedicated his time, energy, and personal resources to ensure families have safe, reliable water. If you’ve ever learned something, received guidance, or benefited from that support, this is your moment to give back. We warmly invite you to come celebrate this incredible milestone, the 100th First Saturday Education class and stand alongside Uncle Tilo in appreciation of all he has poured into this community. Let’s show up, celebrate, and support the one who has supported so many.

When you order your catchment supplies online with Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water, you’re doing more than just stocking your system you’re directly supporting a mission that has been empowering our community for years. Since losing our storefront, your online orders have become the lifeline that allows us to continue offering free education, hands-on guidance, and real-world solutions to help those on catchment become confident, self-reliant Rainwater Harvesters. Every purchase helps keep this knowledge flowing, ensuring families across Hawai‘i have access to safe, sustainable water. If you’ve ever benefited from a class, a consultation, or even a helpful tip this is your way to give back and keep it going. Order now for Wednesday delivery in zip codes 96778 and 96749, with shipping also available. Your support truly makes all the difference!
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TilosCleanWater.com

**VOLCANIC EVENTRAINWATER CATCHMENT CHECKLIST**
For Homes Dependent on Rainwater Catchment Systems
(Use during active ashfall and volcanic events)

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS — DURING ASHFALL1. Stop Roof Water Collection☐ Open the First Flush Diverter

• Diverts contaminated roof runoff away from the tank
  
• Prevents ash, tephra, and volcanic glass from entering storage
  
• Leave open until ashfall has fully ended and surfaces are cleared
  

☐ Disable any direct roof-to-tank inflow (if applicable)

2. Secure the Catchment Tank☐ Ensure tank cover is fully closed, sealed, and secured
☐ No gaps, tears, sagging, or water pooling
☐ Vents and overflows are screened and protected

3. Protect Household Safety☐ Stay indoors during ashfall
☐ Close all windows and doors
☐ Seal gaps with damp towels if ash intrusion occurs

SYSTEM PROTECTION — DURING & AFTER EVENT4. Pre-Tank Protection☐ Confirm pre-tank filter / debris barrier is in place
☐ Prevents roof and gutter contaminants from reaching the tank

5. Filtration Readiness☐ Expect filters to clog faster due to ash and tephra
☐ Replace filters as needed
☐ Keep spare filters on hand
☐ Avoid skin contact with contaminated water—tephra can cause irritation

6. After Ashfall Ends☐ Clear ash from roof surfaces and gutters before resuming collection
☐ Close First Flush Diverter only after roof is clean
☐ Inspect tank, filters, and system components
☐ Do not consume water if contamination is suspected—test if needed

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NOTEFor catchment-dependent homes, proactive water protection during volcanic events supports:

• Habitability and occupant safety
  
• Informed disclosure and due diligence
  
• Buyer confidence and defensible transactions
  

Provided by:
Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water & Hawai‘i Institute of Rainwater
Field-based education supporting safe, self-reliant rainwater harvesting
Your Water. Your Responsibility. Our Support.

Attention Rainwater Harvesters!
Now that most tanks are full check your pH, get your tank cleaned, check your filters and water disinfection as the holidays are coming and you're going to be hosting family & friends!
Join Uncle Tilo this Saturday for Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water class if you're looking for pointers & tips.
Pahoa Marketplace, 10am, bring a chair.
TilosCleanWater.com

Water is not a luxury — it’s life itself. For those of us living off rainwater, it’s our lifeline, our independence, and our responsibility.

Now imagine waking up tomorrow and your tank is dry. No shower. No coffee. No clean dishes. No flushing. No life. That’s what a day without water looks like.

Every drop that falls on your roof connects to your health, your home, and your future. Our community’s entire way of life in Puna depends on protecting and managing that resource wisely. Without trees droughts last longer, tanks run dry faster, and Rainwater Harvesters suffer first.

This national Imagine a Day Without Water campaign is not just a reflection — it’s a warning. Reliable access to clean, safe water doesn’t happen by chance. It takes maintenance, mindfulness, and action from every Rainwater Harvester.

So take today to think seriously: What will you do when all the trees are gone and the rain stopped?
Protect our tree systems. Safeguard your water.
Because your water is your responsibility — and your future depends on it.
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TilosCleanWater.com

With your support, we can make it six years in a Row! 
Vote for Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water!


For the past five years, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water has been honored as East Hawai‘i’s Best—and with your support, we can make it six!

Since 2017, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water has been a cornerstone in our community, offering sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly clean water solutions for those on rainwater catchment. From their Pāhoa storefront, they provide essential services like Quantum Disinfection™, catchment maintenance, monthly maintenance supplies and water testing all available on their Online Store. Their mission is clear: empower our community through education and ensure every household has the knowledge to have access to clean, safe water.

Founder Todd Lolla, affectionately known as Uncle Tilo, has conducted over 100 free classes on rainwater harvesting, reaching thousands across the islands. His dedication has transformed how we view and manage our water resource with rainwater catchment, making a tangible difference in the health of our community.

Voting is open now! Visit the Hawai'i Tribune-Heralds' Best of East Hawai'i 2025 ballot at 
​hawaiitribune-herald.com/bestofeast2025 and cast your vote for Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water under the heading of Pool/Spa/Catchment Equipment.
​Remember, you must complete at least 10 categories on the ballot to qualify for a chance to win $250.

Let’s honor the commitment and impact of Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water. 
Vote today and help continue their legacy of excellence in our community.

Mahalo nui loa in advance for your support!
Uncle Tilo & Team

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​#UncleTilosCleanWater #CatchmentLife #RainwaterHarvesting #HiloRealtors #EmpowerWithEducation #CIR #hawaiirealtor #hawaiihomestead

When We Invest in Water, Everyone Wins
It's true, clean water is the foundation of a healthy community.
Together, Hawai'i Can Become a Global Showcase in Rainwater Harvesting.​

Clean water is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
We're leading by example at TilosCleanWater.com
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