Did you know......seriesACID RAIN AND PREVAILING WINDAcid rain is a broad term that is often used to describe several forms of acid deposition. Wet deposition is when rain, snow, fog, or mist contains high amounts of sulfuric and nitric acid. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, they dissolve in water and fall as precipitation. Dry deposition occurs when dust and smoke that contain high amounts of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides settle to the ground, or onto buildings, cars and vegetation. These gases are converted to acids when they contact water. The acidity of acid rain can vary. Pure water has a pH of 7 and normal rainwater has a pH around 5.6. In 2000, the most acidic rain that fell in the United States had a pH of 4.3. WHERE DOES ACID RAIN COME FROM?Acid rain develops when sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides enter the atmosphere. While natural processes, such as the eruption of a volcano or decomposing vegetation, can emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air, acid rain is primarily caused by excessive emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as a result of human actions. The primary cause of nitrogen oxide emissions are vehicles, which account for about 60 percent of all nitrogen oxide emissions. However, emissions also come from furnaces, boilers and engines. CAN ACID RAIN MAKE DRINKING WATER UNSAFE?Water that is slightly acidic should not be dangerous, as there are many food that have low pH value; for example, lemon juice, soda pop and oranges has a pH range of 2.4 and 3.6. However, a low pH can indicate that there may be other contaminants in the water, because if pollutants have been added to a water source, the pH typically will change. Water treatment facilities monitor the pH level of the water while they are treating it for municipal use and therefore Rainwater Harvesters should also. Acidic or basic water is harder to disinfect than water with a pH that is closer t 7.0. |
We pay tribute to Tribune Herald and cohort Valerie Ferrari for a space in "We Mean Business" October 28, 2021! We also give many thanks to our shared island community for your trust and business! Together we bring water into focus creating topics of conversations raising the level of responsibility thereby the awareness towards sustainability as Rainwater Harvesters! Achievement of goals = Global Showcase With deep sincerity, Mahalo nui loa, Tilo & Archer |
Does the hauler have a Public Utilities Certificate?
If you are buying water in bulk, delivered by a tank truck, be sure to know its source.
Water tankers that look clean and shiny on the outside could be
harboring rust, decay, pathogens, or contaminants on the inside.
Water tankers that look clean and shiny on the outside could be
harboring rust, decay, pathogens, or contaminants on the inside.
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 to 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, because some truckers hauling water to private businesses such as restaurants are also approved by the department.
HDOH approval provides the following assurances:
(1) that the tank is used only to transport water or food products 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.
Some water haulers are in business to carry water for toilet and other non-potable uses. They have no reason to get HDOH approval. Their prices could be much cheaper than other haulers who do comply with HDOH standards, so be wary of “cheap” rates. 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 a discounted price. Does the hauler have a Public Utilities Certificate? Where does the water come from? What is the tank made of? Does the cover have a gasket seal to prevent contamination from entering? Do the output hoses have covers on both ends and are they sealed between use? Has the tank ever carried anything other than water? How often is the tank cleaned, and how is the cleaning done?
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. Call before your water gets too low, so if you need to wait for the delivery, you can do so. Every time the rains let up, keep an eye on the levels in your tank.
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, because some truckers hauling water to private businesses such as restaurants are also approved by the department.
HDOH approval provides the following assurances:
(1) that the tank is used only to transport water or food products 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.
Some water haulers are in business to carry water for toilet and other non-potable uses. They have no reason to get HDOH approval. Their prices could be much cheaper than other haulers who do comply with HDOH standards, so be wary of “cheap” rates. 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 a discounted price. Does the hauler have a Public Utilities Certificate? Where does the water come from? What is the tank made of? Does the cover have a gasket seal to prevent contamination from entering? Do the output hoses have covers on both ends and are they sealed between use? Has the tank ever carried anything other than water? How often is the tank cleaned, and how is the cleaning done?
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. Call before your water gets too low, so if you need to wait for the delivery, you can do so. Every time the rains let up, keep an eye on the levels in your tank.
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“It was in an American desert that I suddenly realized that rain does not fall from the heavens – it comes up from the ground."
There is an interesting and thought-provoking quote from Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer and philosopher renowned for his natural farming, that is quite pertinent to climate resiliency. The author of The One Straw Revolution, Fukuoka states, “It was in an American desert that I suddenly realized that rain does not fall from the heavens – it comes up from the ground. Desert formation is not due to the absence of rain, but the rain ceases to fall because the vegetation has disappeared.”
Keith Okamoto
The increase from $1.85 to $2.15 per thousand gallons, starting Monday, was approved on a 7-0 vote. No members of the public testified at a public hearing, leading board member Steven Hirakami to question why no one participated.
“It seems unusual of the thousands of water users there are no testifiers. This is the largest increase in a couple of years,” Hirakami said. … I’m just amazed that there’s no public testimony.”
With the proposed 30-cent increase, a family of five, which consumes on average about 12,000 gallons of water per month, will see its bimonthly water bill increase by $7.20. That’s on top of an average 13% increase in water rates that went into effect Jan.
The cost charge was last changed June 1 when consumers saw it increase from $1.71 to $1.85 per 1,000 gallons. In December, the rate was decreased from $2.01 per 1,000 gallons to $1.71.
Hirakami, who represents Puna, said he’d be more comfortable if the newest increase were applied on a sliding scale to give homeowners a break.
“Is there a way to adjust it so commercial users such as hotels have a higher rate?” he asked.
Board Chairman William Boswell, who represents North Kona, said hotels are on large master water meters, where rates are already “exponentially higher” than the 5/8 inch meters used by single family homeowners.
Besides, added board member Benhamin Ney, representing Kohala, the power charge
is a simple pass-through to accommodate fluctuations in electric charges.
“It’s a pass-long cost; we don’t derive revenue from it,” Ney said.
The power cost charge is a relatively recent policy that allows the semi-autonomous department react more quickly to changes in power costs. Before that, the Department of Water Supply operated on an annual budget that changed little.
“It’s a fee that was established by the board because of the fluctuation in the utility rate costs,” said Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto. “In the past, we could get far behind and could only adjust rates on an annual basis.”
Okamoto said the upcoming water rate study, which is conducted by consultants prior to rate changes, will allow for different rates for different categories of users.
Water power charges to rise
By NANCY COOK LAUER
West Hawaii Today
By NANCY COOK LAUER
West Hawaii Today
Register to Attend
The County of Hawai‘i’s Disaster Recovery Division and Department of Water Supply (DWS) will host a virtual public meeting from 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28 via Zoom to receive input on proposed water infrastructure projects for Kīlauea Eruption Recovery.
The 2018 Kīlauea eruption caused about $40 million in damage to water infrastructure, including the loss of about 14.5 miles of waterlines in lower Puna. DWS will receive about $30 million, or 75% of the damage assessment, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on a reimbursement basis to support water infrastructure improvements. A local match will be supported by State loans.
“The Department of Water Supply is committed to investing these funds to serve Puna residents in a way that’s aligned with the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan and addresses housing and economic needs of the area,” said Keith Okamoto, DWS Manager-Chief Engineer. “We’ve identified about $55 million worth of projects for Puna, including restoration of the water line to Isaac Hale Beach Park, that could be supported by the FEMA funds, and we’d like to hear from the public to assist with finalizing these plans.”
To register for this Zoom meeting, visit https://bit.ly/punawaterprojects.
For more information on proposed projects, visit https://recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/.../water-infrastructure.
Residents can also give feedback on County infrastructure investments for Kīlauea recovery at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/revitalizepuna.
NSF/ANSI 55 separates UV water purification systems into two distinct classes.
Class A UV water systems should be used with well or surface water (streams, lakes, etc.) and are designed to inactivate and/or remove microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts from contaminated water.
Class A UV systems are not intended for the treatment of water with an obvious contamination or intentional source, such as raw sewage, nor are they intended to convert wastewater to drinking water. They are intended to be installed on visually clear (not colored, cloudy or turbid) water.
Class B UV water systems, on the other hand, should be used with municipal water or treated water and are designed for supplemental bactericidal treatment of disinfected public drinking water, or other drinking water that has been tested and deemed acceptable for human consumption by the state or local health agency having jurisdiction.
Class B UV systems are designed to reduce normally occurring, nonpathogenic nuisance microorganisms only. These systems are not intended for the disinfection of microbiologically unsafe water and may not make individual or general cyst claims. Microbiological health effects claims may not be made on Class B systems.
There are options for pathogen free water.
No power required. No chemicals. No pathogens
Quantum Disinfection™ is a catalyst:
disinfects the water with its activated surfaces, no power, no chemicals, no maintenance.
Quantum Disinfection™ is a ceramic:
alumina based, environmental friendly, odorless and insoluble.
Quantum Disinfection™ is a new phenomenon:
attracts electrons from microorganisms causing their entire structure to collapse.
Quantum Disinfection™ is a solid media:
easy to apply, easy to handle, always placed in packed beds.
Quantum Disinfection™ kills the microorganisms instantly:
there is no contact time required, there are no traces of microorganisms.
Water simply has to pass over the Quantum Disinfection™ media and the microorganisms are instantly destroyed through the catalytic electron exchange. Give Any Device Disinfection Capability.
Point-of-Entry
QD is used in systems for well water and city water sources for homes, offices, and process applications: up to 12 GPM.
Point-of-use
A small quantity of QD can disinfect all POU systems such as faucets, under the sink units, ice and beverage machines, coolers, misters, showers, dental chairs, etc.
Post Reverse Osmosis
QD is used as a safeguard against HPC’s for RO systems. You can really drink RO water now!
Custom Applications
QD can be tailored to many custom applications across a large variety of markets and flow rates.
disinfects the water with its activated surfaces, no power, no chemicals, no maintenance.
Quantum Disinfection™ is a ceramic:
alumina based, environmental friendly, odorless and insoluble.
Quantum Disinfection™ is a new phenomenon:
attracts electrons from microorganisms causing their entire structure to collapse.
Quantum Disinfection™ is a solid media:
easy to apply, easy to handle, always placed in packed beds.
Quantum Disinfection™ kills the microorganisms instantly:
there is no contact time required, there are no traces of microorganisms.
Water simply has to pass over the Quantum Disinfection™ media and the microorganisms are instantly destroyed through the catalytic electron exchange. Give Any Device Disinfection Capability.
Point-of-Entry
QD is used in systems for well water and city water sources for homes, offices, and process applications: up to 12 GPM.
Point-of-use
A small quantity of QD can disinfect all POU systems such as faucets, under the sink units, ice and beverage machines, coolers, misters, showers, dental chairs, etc.
Post Reverse Osmosis
QD is used as a safeguard against HPC’s for RO systems. You can really drink RO water now!
Custom Applications
QD can be tailored to many custom applications across a large variety of markets and flow rates.
As the only authorized distributor in Hawai'i, Uncle Tilo's Clean Water LLC
carries the full product line of Quantum Disinfection
Mary Alice Adams, commissioner-at-large - "(many) may not be aware of the magnitude of these type of problems happening in communities across the country."
The City Commission voted on Monday to enact the state of emergency.
Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he will be the presiding officer dealing with the emergency -- in coordination with state and local leaders.
Michigan governor sign executive directive to help Benton Harbor get access to safe drinking water.
Benton Harbor residents will be urged to use free bottled water for drinking and cooking for weeks more, until a federal study confirms that filters can work effectively with the city's tap water, Liesl Clark, the head of Michigan's environmental agency, said. Politics Benton Harbor mayor talks about his city's lead water crisis. But Clark said the ultimate remedy is the replacement of about 6,000 old water lines at homes, a job that could take nearly two years. Nearly $19 million in state and federal money has been set aside, but the goal is $30 million. "High lead level tests in Benton Harbor homes result from the water picking up lead as it moves to the faucets.
The situation in Benton Harbor is urgent and inexcusable," Clark said. Her remarks to the House Oversight Committee came as Benton Harbor was dealing with yet another water woe: A pipe rupture Wednesday cut off water to virtually the entire community. Mayor Marcus Muhammad told lawmakers that he had only a "bird bath" before driving to Lansing.
Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he will be the presiding officer dealing with the emergency -- in coordination with state and local leaders.
Michigan governor sign executive directive to help Benton Harbor get access to safe drinking water.
Benton Harbor residents will be urged to use free bottled water for drinking and cooking for weeks more, until a federal study confirms that filters can work effectively with the city's tap water, Liesl Clark, the head of Michigan's environmental agency, said. Politics Benton Harbor mayor talks about his city's lead water crisis. But Clark said the ultimate remedy is the replacement of about 6,000 old water lines at homes, a job that could take nearly two years. Nearly $19 million in state and federal money has been set aside, but the goal is $30 million. "High lead level tests in Benton Harbor homes result from the water picking up lead as it moves to the faucets.
The situation in Benton Harbor is urgent and inexcusable," Clark said. Her remarks to the House Oversight Committee came as Benton Harbor was dealing with yet another water woe: A pipe rupture Wednesday cut off water to virtually the entire community. Mayor Marcus Muhammad told lawmakers that he had only a "bird bath" before driving to Lansing.
Downspout screen filters are installed inline with downspout pipes or at the outfall of the gutter to deflect debris from the conveyed water stream. Each independent downspout that fills a tank needs its own downspout filter. Some downspout filters deflect debris away using an angled filter screen at the top of the device, while allowing rainwater to continue down through the filer device to the downspout pipe and on to the tank.
Downspout filters are designed to deflect debris but still need to be inspected and maintained to ensure debris does not accumulate.
For more information on Downspouts Screen Filters join the Clean Water Conversation slated for November 6 at Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water in the Pahoa Marketplace. 10am to noon. Bring a lawn chair!
https://www.tiloscleanwater.com/education.html