Water News

Water News You Need To Know

Water quality, environmental updates and more affecting rainwater catchment systems in Hawai‘i

Water conditions in Hawai‘i can change rapidly due to environmental events, infrastructure issues, and natural impacts. This page provides timely, relevant updates affecting rainwater catchment systems, water quality, and household water safety.
This resource supports Rainwater Harvesters by sharing education, alerts, and context so informed decisions can be made when water quality and health are at stake.

Join UTCW for Adopt-A-Highway Day!

2/16/2026

More hands = less work and a lot more beauty for our area.
Bring your smiles, your community spirit, and let’s make a difference together!

Join UTCW for Adopt-A-Highway Day!

Come lend a hand with Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water (UTCW) as we help keep our community clean and beautiful!

* Saturday, February 21, 2026
* 8:00 AM sharp (team photo first!)
* Meet at Mile Marker 20 on Highway 130, by the Adopt-A-Highway sign near the water spigot, close to Red Road

* Rain or shine
* We’ll provide trash bags, gloves, and safety vests

More hands = less work and a lot more beauty for our area. Bring your smiles, your community spirit, and let’s make a difference together!

You are the Water Department if you live on catchment

2/3/2026

Free class. February 7, 10am. Bring your family and neighbors!

You are the Water Department.
If you live on catchment, your water safety is in your hands and we’re here to support you.
Recent Kīlauea activity reminded us how quickly ash, vog, and debris can impact our water systems. Education is how we stay healthy, prepared, and confident.

Join Uncle Tilo First Saturday, February 7th, 2026

Come learn, ask questions, and connect with others who rely on catchment just like you.

Your water. Your responsibility. Our support.

Bring your family. Bring a neighbor. Protect your health.

TilosCleanWater.com

PELE’S HAIR & RAINWATER CATCHMENT — PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

1/26/2026

PELE’S HAIR & RAINWATER CATCHMENT — PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

Volcanic activity can produce Pele’s Hair, extremely fine strands of volcanic glass that may collect on roofs, gutters, and rainwater catchment systems. Once disturbed, this material can become airborne and may compromise household water supplies. Disconnect catchment systems until a couple of rains to flush roof and gutters.

Why this matters:
Pele’s Hair and volcanic ash may irritate the skin, eyes and lungs and can introduce contaminants into household water. Immune-compromised individuals, elders, children, and those with respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable to these exposures, making early prevention critical.

Residents seeking additional guidance on rainwater catchment safety may contact Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water, join First Saturday Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water class for local educational resources supporting safe, self-reliant water use during volcanic events. For additional information read the Education tab and watch How-to-Videos on our website at TilosCleanWater.com

VOLCANIC EVENTRAINWATER CATCHMENT CHECKLIST

1/26/2026

**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.

New Venue for Empowerment through Education for Clean Water classes

12/26/2025

Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water Announces New Venue — and a Community Celebration!

First Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10am —
Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water (UTCW) is excited to announce a new home for its long-running Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water classes. Beginning Saturday, January 3, 2026, the popular First Saturday gatherings will be hosted at Connection Point, located at 15-1839 32nd Avenue, Hawaiian Paradise Park, (between Maku'u & Paradise) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with free parking available.

If you're on catchment this class is for you! Free.

New Venue for Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water Class

12/20/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water (UTCW)

UTCW’s Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water Announces New Venue — and a Community Celebration!
January 3, 2026, 10am, 15-1839 32nd Avenue, Hawaiian Paradise Park, (between Maku'u & Paradise) with free parking available.

This milestone marks more than a change of venue—it’s a celebration of nine years in business, a new community partnership, and Uncle Tilo’s birthday, all rolled into one joyful, community-wide event. To celebrate, UTCW invites the public to enjoy cupcakes, games, door prizes, and plenty of good conversation about clean, safe water.

Come one, come all!

If Uncle Tilo has ever helped you with your catchment system, answered your water questions, or empowered you with knowledge about protecting your household water supply—this celebration is for you. If you’ve gained valuable insight from UTCW’s free educational classes over the years, come share your story, and be part of the fun. For nearly a decade, UTCW’s Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water program has provided free,
practical education to Hawai‘i’s rainwater catchment community—supporting families in becoming confident,
self-reliant Rainwater Harvesters. These First Saturday classes are welcoming, informative, and designed for everyone—from new homeowners to long-time catchment users.

“This is a celebration of community, education, and new beginnings,” said Uncle Tilo. “Clean water is everyone’s responsibility—and it’s always better when we learn and celebrate together.”

The event is free and open to the public. Families, neighbors, and friends are encouraged to attend and help kick off this exciting new chapter.

Mahalo nui loa to our community for nine years of support and shared commitment to clean water.
It’s time to celebrate the new—together.
Your Water. Your Responsibility. Our Support.

Contact Info:
Phone: 808-965-1026
Email: [email protected]
Website: TilosCleanWater.com
Online Store: https://www.quantumcleanwaterstore.com/

As of December 1, 2025, our storefront in the Pahoa Marketplace is officially closed, business continues open!

12/1/2025

Yet, it signals that grander endeavors are ahead, and our commitment to Hawai‘i’s Rainwater Harvesting Community remains steadfast. Thank you in advance for your continued trust, business and support as we evolve, grow, and keep empowering our community with Clean Water education, products and services!

As of December 1, 2025, our storefront in the Pahoa Marketplace is officially closed due to the center’s no-subleasing policy. After eight years in that space, this transition is bittersweet — yet it signals that grander endeavors are ahead, and our commitment to Hawai‘i’s Rainwater Harvesting Community remains steadfast. Thank you in advance for your continued trust, business and support as we evolve, grow, and keep empowering our community with Clean Water education, products and services!

You can reach us:
Phone: 808-965-1026
Email: [email protected]
Website: TilosCleanWater.com
Online Store: https://www.quantumcleanwaterstore.com/

This holiday season give the gift of Clean Water!
Our Online Store is open 24/7 — shop for Quantum Disinfection, Catchment Inspection Reports, Water Tests, Acid Rain Mineral Packs + Dispensers, Filters and much more.

Holiday Shopping Made Easy:
• Order online 24/7
• We ship and mail
• Local deliveries on Wednesday

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

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC Voted “Best of Hawai‘i – East” for 2025 Six Consecutive Years of Community Recognition!

11/13/2025

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC Voted “Best of Hawai‘i – East” for 2025
Six Consecutive Years of Community Recognition

PĀHOA, HAWAI‘I — (November 2025) — Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC is proud to announce that the community has once again voted the company “Best of Hawai‘i – East” in the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald’s annual readers’ poll — marking six consecutive years of recognition (2020–2025). This consistent honor reflects the trust, appreciation, and aloha from the Rainwater Harvester communities across Hawai‘i Island who rely on clean, safe, and sustainable water for their homes and families.

For more than eight years, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water has served as a leading advocate for rainwater catchment education, safety, and system transparency. Through the company’s monthly Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water classes, the Catchment Inspection Report (CIR) based on ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI Standard 63 guidelines, community outreach, and ongoing support for homeowners, REALTORS®, builders and plumbers, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water has helped elevate the standards for private water systems across East Hawai‘i.

“This award belongs to our community,” said co-founder Archer. “Every homeowner, every REALTOR®, every Rainwater Harvester who believes clean water is a right — not a luxury — is a part of this movement. We are deeply grateful for your trust and support year after year.”

Despite the storefront closing at the end of the month, the business remains fully open through its website, phone, and email, platforms. Support, education, CIR services, water testing, and Quantum Disinfection. The monthly classes will continue as soon as we can find a new location as Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water expands its mission through the new Hawai‘i Institute of Rainwater and its growing network of Water Partners.

This six-year milestone highlights the company’s enduring commitment to
— community health and safety
— education and empowerment
— supporting REALTORS®, homebuyers and sellers
— advancing water sustainability across Hawai‘i
Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC extends a heartfelt mahalo to everyone who voted and continues to support local small businesses in Puna and beyond.

Contact:
Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC
TilosCleanWater.com
808.965.1026
[email protected]
Facebook: Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC

Your Water. Your Responsibility. Our Support.

Aloha Community of Rainwater Harvesters! Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC requires urgent assistance. We need a new storefront!

11/5/2025

Aloha Community of Rainwater Harvesters! Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC requires urgent assistance. Today, we received a 30-day notice to vacate despite our unit having a tenant for 16 years, including 7 years with us. We were informed that the Fire Inspector requires Pahoa Fish & Chips to update their electrical outlets and no more sub-leasing allowed. The strip mall comprises three restaurants, a two-classroom school extension, and Uncle Tilo's Clean Water. We need to find a new location to operate our business and conduct Empowerment through Education for Clean Water classes. Please contact us if you have a visible rental space available.

Attention Rainwater Harvesters!

10/29/2025

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

Imagine a Day Without Water

10/16/2025

Each year, Imagine a Day Without Water invites us to see how crucial our need for water really is by visualizing life without it, just for one day. Very quickly, we learn how indispensable water is in our everyday lives, and how our health, environment, and economy depend on reliable access to clean water.

Imagine a Day Without Water —
Rainwater Harvesters, This Is Your Wake-Up Call

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.

TilosCleanWater.com

Test Your Water, The Holidays Are Coming!

10/14/2025

The Holidays Are Coming — Test Your Water!

Before the gatherings begin and we all enjoy the water and ice from friends’ and family catchment tanks, make sure your system is ready. Now’s the perfect time to test your water and bring your catchment up to par before hosting holiday celebrations.

Clean water keeps everyone healthy and happy.

Your Water. Your Responsibility.

New Store Hours

10/7/2025

Online Orders can be picked up during regular store hours.
Order Now
TilosCleanWater.com

Mahalo for your trust and business!

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water is open for business!

6/9/2025

🌺 Heads Up, ʻOhana! 🌺
Archer is off visiting her sweet granddaughters, so the storefront is closed—but don’t worry, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water is still open for business!

📞 Reach us at: 808.965.1026
📧 Email: [email protected]
🛒 Place orders on our website's online store for Saturday pickup with Tilo, 9am–12pm

Clean water never takes a vacation!
Mahalo for your support!

Read Your Flow Meter Today

6/3/2025

Got Quantum Disinfection? Cool.
But here's the real question...
What’s your flow meter reading?

Because if you’ve got high-tech water disinfection protection, let’s make sure the flow meter is working. Replacement of the C-12 reads at 267. Numbers don’t lie—and neither does a system check.

Ready to restock your clean water game?
Order your Quantum Disinfection™ refills and monthly maintenance supplies online at
👉 quantumcleanwaterstore.com/s/shop

Then swing by for Saturday Pick-Up at the store from 10am–12pm.
Easy. Breezy. Quantum squeaky clean. 😎

No lines, no shipping drama—just grab, go, and get back to livin’.

#CatchmentConfidence #QuantumClean #SaturdayPickUpVibes #HawaiiCatchment #cleanwatermatters #cleanwaterforall

Vote Uncle Tilo Now! Final Round May 28 - June 24, 2025

6/2/2025

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

Uncle Tilo Spreads Clean Water Wisdom in Hilo, Hawai'i!

5/29/2025

Mahalo to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Hawai‘i Island REALTORS® General Membership Meeting in Hilo!

Uncle Tilo was proud to share knowledge, tools, insights, and inspiration to help make every catchment home safer and more sustainable.

Congratulations to John Petrella, Principal Broker of Local Hawaii Real Estate, for winning our business card drawing! John takes home a $75 gift card toward clean water products — and our thanks for being part of the movement toward Empowerment Through Education for Clean Water.

Let’s keep the conversation going — and the water clean.

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

When We Invest in Water, Everyone Wins!

5/13/2025

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

By working collectively to establish our community as a global showcase for effective and sustainable rainwater harvesting—ensuring that every household using catchment systems has access to clean, safe water for drinking, showering, cooking, and everyday use.
By raising standards, embracing innovation, and sharing knowledge, we can protect public health, support environmental resilience, and demonstrate that rainwater can be a reliable, high-quality source of water for all.

#WaterIsLife #CatchmentStrong #CleanWaterHawaii #RainwaterHarvesting #WaterEquity #UncleTilosCleanWater #QuantumDisinfection #CatchmentTank #WaterQuality #WaterQualityMatters

Got 20 seconds?Record a quick video (20 seconds or less) telling folks why Clean Water from rainwater matters and how Uncle Tilo has helped you with your personal water supply.

4/24/2025

💧 Clean Water = Strong Communities 💪

Got 20 seconds?
Record a quick video (20 seconds or less) telling folks why Clean Water from rainwater matters and how Uncle Tilo has helped you with your personal water supply.

🎥 Share
• Who you are
• Where you live (in general)
• What your catchment system has
• How has Uncle Tilo’s assisted you and your family

📲 Record it. Send it to [email protected] — we’ll feature YOU on our YouTube!

🌿 Let’s show the world how powerful personal water sustainability can be.

#catchment #sustainablehawaii #rainwaterharvesting #cleanwater
#islandlife #quantumdisinfection #bigislandlife #sustainability

Thank you for your nomination and vote in advance!

4/23/2025

Dealing with Pele’s hair, which is the volcanic glass-like strands ejected during an eruption

4/1/2025

Dealing with Pele’s hair, which is the volcanic glass-like strands ejected during an eruption, can be challenging for catchment systems, especially when it gets deposited on rooftops and into rainwater harvesting systems. Pele's hair can pose a significant risk to water quality because as you mentioned, the hairs break down into micro-particles, which could contaminate the water used for household consumption.

Here are some recommendations to help mitigate the issue:
1. Enhanced Filtration Systems
Mesh or Filter Screens: Use fine mesh filters (like a 200-micron or smaller) installed at the first flush diverter, as well as Uncle Tilo's Basic Bag at the point of entry into the tank. These can capture the fine volcanic fibers before they enter the tank.
Activated Carbon Filters: These can help further reduce the presence of micro-particles, especially once the water is in the storage tank. They can also help remove any other contaminants from the water. We recommend a 5 micron Activated Carbon Block.
Sediment Filters: Installing sediment filters, which filter out particulate matter, is essential for removing particles like Pele’s hair. The filtration should ideally go down to very fine particulates. We recommend a 20 Micron Poly. Not paper or string.

2. Improved First Flush Systems
More Effective First Flush Diverters: While the first flush system alone may not be sufficient, consider using more robust systems that can handle greater volumes of water to divert and collect a larger amount of debris. Some systems are designed to capture heavier particles first and then gradually divert the rest of the rainwater.
Increased Diversion: Adding a secondary first flush system or improving the existing system’s capacity could help prevent finer particles from entering the storage tanks. Consider designing the system to handle multiple flush stages, with each stage targeting different particle sizes.

3. Regular Maintenance
Rooftop Cleaning: Regularly cleaning your rooftop, especially after volcanic activity, is important to remove any accumulated Pele’s hair. Once it settles on the roof, it can easily be swept or hosed off. Depending on the frequency of eruptions, this may need to be done regularly.
Tank Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the rainwater storage tanks will also help in reducing the risk of accumulated particles over time.

4. Water Treatment Options
UV Sterilization: Ultraviolet (UV) light can inactivate some bacteria or pathogens that might be present in the water after filtration. While this won't remove physical particles, it can help with microbial contamination.
Quantum Disinfection: The Platinum whole house water disinfection kills pathogens and does NOT require electricity. You can drink, shower, wash your food and dishes in this water. https://www.tiloscleanwater.com/quantum-disinfection.html
Boiling or Chemical Treatment: If the water seems highly contaminated, boiling or using safe water treatment tablets (e.g., iodine or chlorine) could make the water safe for consumption.

5. Use of Sedimentation Tanks
Implementing a sedimentation tank before the water reaches your main storage tank can be beneficial. This allows larger particles, including any Pele’s hair that may have not been filtered out, to settle at the bottom before water enters the main storage.

6. Additional Recommendations
Cover the Tanks: Ensure your rainwater storage tanks are tightly covered to prevent contamination from airborne particles. Might be worth using two covers.

Adding a Floating Intake Line to the catchment systems then takes the water from about 18" from the top of tank - the cleanest water in the tank keeping your pump, water heater, filters cleaner longer.

Monitor Water Quality: Regular testing of the water, especially after significant volcanic activity, will help you assess any contamination and allow you to adjust your filtration systems accordingly.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of Pele's hair or micro-particles entering your rainwater harvesting system, ensuring the water is safe for household use.

Empowerment through Education for Clean Water Class
First Saturday at our storefront in the
Pahoa Marketplace. 10am. Bring a chair. Free

TilosCleanWater.com

Water Sustainability

3/27/2025

Water is a precious resource, and every drop truly counts.
Every small effort to reduce waste—whether it’s turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or fixing a leaking pipe—adds up to make a significant impact. Water is essential not only for drinking but for agriculture, sanitation, and industry, making it a cornerstone of life itself. By valuing each drop, we contribute to a more sustainable future, ensuring that future generations will have the same access to this life-sustaining resource.

https://www.tiloscleanwater.com/personal-water-sustainability.html

Have questions about your water catchment system? We have the solution!

3/18/2025

Are you relying on a rainwater catchment system for your household water supply?
Ensuring your system is clean, efficient, and safe is essential for water quality.
Your health and long-term sustainability depends on it!

At Uncle Tilo’s, we offer comprehensive and detailed analysis of the entire water system.
We check the health of your system and provide expert recommendations for maintenance and repairs.

What’s Included?
✔️ Complete system condition assessment
✔️ Key findings & potential risks
✔️ Expert recommendations to keep your water clean & flowing

Don’t wait until there’s a problem! Get ahead with Uncle Tilo’s Catchment Inspection Report and enjoy peace of mind knowing your water is in top shape.

Contact us today to schedule your inspection! 808.965.1026
#WaterCatchment #RainwaterHarvesting #CleanWater #UncleTilos #SustainableLiving

Order Your Supplies Online at TilosCleanWater.com

3/18/2025

Our Trusted Water Partner, F'tahn Bey

3/13/2025

Our Monthly Maintenance services are provided by our trusted Water Partner, F'tahn Bey. You can learn more about his credentials and experience by reviewing his bio on our website under the "Partners" section. Please visit the following link: https://www.tiloscleanwater.com/partners.html

F'tahn is a dues-paying member of ARCSA and holds certification with the organization, ensuring he remains current with industry advancements and technologies. Additionally, he has received field training from Uncle Tilo, further guaranteeing that your tank will be expertly maintained.

Additionally, Uncle Tilo has curated valuable resources to help you better understand Rainwater Harvesting. Our website is designed to empower those utilizing catchment systems with the knowledge they need to become proficient Rainwater Harvesters. We encourage you to explore the Education tab, YouTube channel, and our Online Store, all accessible via TilosCleanWater.com