News

Welcome to Hawaii Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater catchment is an age-old method of catching rain from a surface (generally, a rooftop) and transporting it through a conveyance system (usually gutters and downspouts) to a storage container.  This water can be used for domestic supplies, agriculture, landscape, water features (like fountains), public supply, or storm runoff control.  In Hawaii, most rainwater catchments are used for domestic water supply and agriculture.  The process of harvesting the rain is experiencing a resurgence in the U.S. and throughout the world as global warming and population growth threaten our limited fresh-water supplies.

Warning re: Water Treatment Systems
Beware of a water treatment system currently being sold door-to-door on the Big Island.  It may not be clear to buyers that it uses reverse osmosis systems to remove pathogens at the kitchen sink but its point-of-entry filter systems do not disinfect the water for the rest of the house.  Therefore, you could get leptospirosis, for example, while taking a bath, or become ill from brushing your teeth.  Important: UH Extension personnel are not endorsing this product.  If you are considering a water treatment system purchase and are unsure, call us at 808-981-5199, or the Hawaii Department of Health, Safe Water Drinking Branch at (808) 974-4000 x64258.  We recommend choosing products or systems with NSF International certification.  Learn more about the certification at www.nsf.org.  When buying a system, make sure that the system meets your individual needs.