Dealing with Pele’s hair, which is the volcanic glass-like strands ejected during an eruption4/1/2025  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
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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  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
 The CDC estimates that annually, nearly 20 million Americans fall ill due to contaminated drinking water. Learn more at TilosCleanWater.com   Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC Celebrates 8 Years of Service Pahoa, Hawaii – Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC is thrilled to announce its milestone of 8 years in business, celebrating its continued growth and success in their storefront in Pahoa, Hawaii. Founded in 2017, the company has rapidly become a trusted leader in clean water solutions for the local community, providing sustainable water treatment products and services that empower individuals and families to take charge of their water quality. From its humble beginnings, Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC has grown into a vital presence on Hawaii Island. In 2018, the company was honored as a finalist in the prestigious HIplan Hawai'i Island Business Plan Competition, showcasing its innovative approach to water safety and sustainability. Over the years, Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC has achieved numerous accolades, including five consecutive years as a runner-up in the Best of the Best East Side awards (2020-2024). "These eight years have been an incredible journey, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and customers," said Tilo, founder and owner of Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC. "Our mission has always been to empower the rainwater harvesters of Hawai’i with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure safe, clean water for themselves and their families, and our longevity is a reflection of that commitment." Through its dedication to education, the company has provided over 100 Empowerment through Education for Clean Water classes, all offered free to the public. These classes have equipped local residents with vital information on water filtration, rainwater harvesting, and other sustainable practices. Their website is filled with sustainable clean water solutions, best practices for maintenance and several How To videos. TilosCleanWater.com In addition to these educational efforts, Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC has conducted hundreds of free consultations, offering personalized advice on water treatment solutions to individuals and businesses across the islands. As a member of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), we stay informed of the latest technology. Uncle Tilo was a guest speaker in Las Vegas September 2024 representing Hawai’i Rainwater Harvesters and spoke on water disinfection and best practices. The video is on the website. In addition to its business achievements, Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC has remained actively engaged in giving back to the community. For several years, the company has been a proud participant in the Adopt-a-Highway program on Highway 130, taking responsibility for the upkeep and cleanliness of this vital stretch of roadway. As Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC embarks on this exciting new chapter with its storefront in Pahoa, the company remains deeply committed to its core mission: providing safe, sustainable, and accessible water solutions to the rainwater harvesters of Hawaii. With an unwavering focus on customer education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC looks forward to many more years of service and growth. About Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC is a Hawaii-based company specializing in water purification and sustainability solutions. Offering products and services that help residents achieve safe and clean water through education and innovation, the company has become a key resource for homeowners, businesses, and organizations across Hawaii Islands and beyond through their online store. From rainwater harvesting systems to advanced filtration technologies, Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC is committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their water supply. For more information, please visit https://www.tiloscleanwater.com/ or contact us at [email protected]. Press Contact: Todd Lolla Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC Phone: 808.965.1026 Email: [email protected] If you're a Rainwater Harvester here's a video for you! See link below. We're excited to announce that Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC's presentation at the ARCSA International Conference in Las Vegas this past September 2024 is now available for viewing on ARCSA.org website! Follow the link to watch the full presentation and learn more about our innovative solutions for clean water.
https://arcsainternational.org/resources/videos  As we kick off our 8th year in business, we are absolutely bursting with excitement and gratitude! Reflecting on the incredible journey of Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC, we can hardly believe how far we've come. What began as a passionate and humble mission to provide education, products, and services for those on catchment has blossomed into a beloved and trusted name in the community. We’ve hit amazing milestones over the years, expanding our services and positively impacting countless families and businesses with their water catchment needs. Today, we don’t just celebrate our achievements—we celebrate YOU, our incredible community! Your unwavering trust, loyalty, and the strong relationships we've built together mean the world to us. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making it all possible. Here’s to many more years of providing top-notch service, effective water disinfection products, and valuable education for clean, safe water! And now you can order your supplies online for store pickup or shipping. TilosCleanWater.com We can’t wait to continue this adventure with you! Thank you for your amazing support!           Happy Holidays! Tilo & Archer If you're relying on catchment, this is your must-read news to stay informed and inspired! Dive in and discover the essential tips and insights you need to make the most of your water system! He represented Hawai'i Rainwater Harvesters and Water Disinfection!Uncle Tilo gained some incredible insights and the latest tools for mastering the best practices in rainwater harvesting! Plus, he wowed everyone with a captivating 35-slide presentation showcasing Rainwater Harvesters in Hawai'i, making Monthly Maintenance a breeze and diving into the essentials of Water Disinfection. What an incredible opportunity to learn and grow together in the world of Rainwater Harvesting!
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