HOW TO GET FREE WATER IN HAWAII
rAINWATER cATCHMENT sYSTEMS
While looking for property here on the Big island of Hawaii, you may have seen in the description “Water: Catchment”. What is water catchment? Water catchment is an off the grid solution to water supply in areas where county water isn’t available- its a self contained water tank on your property that collects rainwater for you to use in every day life. Showers, toilets, sinks will all use this collected rain water. This water is absolutely free to use.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived with this rhythm of the rain. In Hawaii, the pitter-patter on our tin rooftop signaled more than just a passing shower; it was the melody of nature providing for us, filling our water catchment tank drop by drop, and giving us an essential resource for free.
Some may feel daunted by the prospect of depending on a rainwater catchment system, yet for me, it’s as natural as the abundant Hawaiian rainfall itself. Yes, there’s maintenance involved, but it’s a small price to pay for the freedom from water bills and the control it affords. With every rain, our tanks fill with pristine water, untouched by the chemicals used in municipal systems. We get to choose how, or if, our water is treated. In my eyes, this independence and control is invaluable.
There’s something quite enchanting about the presence of a water tank on a property. It’s more than just a storage container; it’s a testament to resilience, self-reliance, and harmony with nature. They stand tall, not as obtrusive structures, but as symbols of sustainable living and respect for our environment.
Especially when well-placed and designed, these tanks can augment the aesthetic of a property. I’ve witnessed how beautifully-crafted redwood tanks blend seamlessly with their surroundings, adding a unique charm that sparks the imagination. They speak to our deeper connection with the land and the water cycle, reminding us of our responsibility to use this gift wisely.
In the end, living with a water catchment system in Hawaii is about more than just capturing and using rainwater. It’s about embracing a sustainable lifestyle, cherishing our independence, and truly appreciating the blessings of nature. It’s about being one with the land we love and respecting the rain that nurtures it. And for those willing to embrace it, this way of life offers rewards that are simply immeasurable.
Hawaii's Rainwater Catchment Systems
Here in our beautiful state of Hawaii, an estimated 30,000 to 60,000 of us rely on rainwater catchment systems for all our water needs. You’ll find most of these systems hard at work in the Puna, Ka‘ū, and Hāmākua districts of the Big Island.
With careful planning, regular maintenance, and proper water treatment, a rainwater catchment system can provide you with water that’s soft, clear, odorless, and virtually free from contamination. This isn’t just any water; this is water you can trust for drinking, bathing, washing, flushing, laundry, and even nurturing your garden. You’ll feel the difference in every aspect of your daily life.
But there’s a flip side to consider as well. If a system isn’t well-designed or properly maintained, it can become a source of serious health risks and illness. This is why it’s so important to understand and respect the responsibility that comes with owning a rainwater catchment system.
So read on as we dive deeper into the world of rainwater catchment in Hawaii. I hope you gain an understanding of how these systems work and are better informed when making a real estate investment decision.
Water Catchment System 101
A water catchment system in Hawaii, or any location, refers to a method of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. These systems are particularly popular in rural parts of the Hawaiian Islands where municipal water systems are not as prevalent or reliable.
The typical Hawaiian rainwater catchment system consists of several key components:
Catchment Area
A catchment area in the context of a rainwater collection system is essentially the surface upon which rainwater falls and is subsequently collected. In many rainwater catchment systems, the catchment area is the roof of a house or other structure. This is because roofs are already designed to direct water (in order to prevent it from seeping into the building), so they are naturally suitable for this role.
The shape and material of the roof can impact how much water is collected. Sloped roofs are typically more effective at directing water into the collection system than flat ones. Also, some materials, like metal, are more effective at shedding water than others, like tiles or shingles, which may absorb some water or allow it to evaporate.
The way it works is pretty straightforward. When it rains, the water falls onto the roof (the catchment area). The water then flows down the slope of the roof into the gutters. Gutters are like long, shallow troughs that run along the edge of the roof, and their job is to catch this water and channel it toward the downspouts, which are like pipes running down the side of the building.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are vital parts of a rainwater catchment system, and they’re also common components of most residential and commercial buildings. Their primary function is to guide rainwater from the roof to a specified location, preventing water damage to the building’s structure and foundation. In a rainwater catchment system, they serve the additional purpose of channeling rainwater from the catchment area (the roof) to the storage tank.
Gutters: These are essentially long, shallow troughs that are installed along the edges of the roof. Their purpose is to catch the rainwater that flows off the roof and direct it towards the downspouts. They are usually open at the top and are slightly sloped towards the downspouts to facilitate the flow of water.
Downspouts: These are vertical pipes that are connected to the gutters. They receive the water collected by the gutters and direct it to the ground or directly into the storage tank in a rainwater catchment system. Downspouts can be located at the corners of the building or at other strategic locations where they can best direct water away from the building’s foundation.
To prevent debris, such as leaves and twigs, from clogging the gutters and downspouts, screens or guards are often installed over or inside the gutters. A first flush diverter can also be installed to divert the initial flow of rainwater that may contain contaminants from the roof surface.
In a rainwater catchment system, the gutters and downspouts must be properly maintained to ensure they perform effectively. This includes regular cleaning to remove any debris that could block the flow of water and checking for leaks or damage that could result in loss of water.
Leaf Screens/First Flush Diverter
Leaf Screens: These are devices placed over the top of the gutters or at the entrance to downspouts. As their name suggests, their main function is to prevent leaves and other large debris from entering the rainwater catchment system. They work like a sieve, allowing water to pass through while catching larger materials. By keeping this debris out, leaf screens help to prevent blockages in the downspouts and the storage tank, and they can also help to keep the water cleaner.
First Flush Diverter: This is a device designed to improve the quality of the collected rainwater by discarding the “first flush” of runoff from the roof. When it starts to rain, the first water that runs off the roof can contain higher levels of contaminants, such as dust, bird droppings, insects, or other pollutants that have settled on the roof since the last rainfall. A first flush diverter works by diverting this initial flow of water away from the storage tank. Once the first flush of water has been discarded, the diverter then allows the cleaner rainwater to flow into the storage tank.
The first flush diverter is often a separate, smaller pipe attached to the main downspout. It contains a ball or similar mechanism that blocks the main downspout until the diverter is full. Once the diverter is full, the ball floats up and blocks the entrance to the diverter, allowing the remaining cleaner rainwater to flow down the main downspout and into the storage tank.
These components, along with regular maintenance and cleaning, help to ensure the efficiency and longevity of a rainwater catchment system, and they can also help to improve the quality of the collected water.
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Storage Tank
In a rainwater catchment system, the storage tank, also known as a cistern, is an essential component. It’s essentially a large container where the collected rainwater is stored for later use.
Size and Material: The size of the tank depends on a number of factors, including the roof area (which determines how much water can be collected), local rainfall patterns, and the water needs of the household or building. In Hawaii, it’s common to see large, above-ground tanks that can hold thousands of gallons of water. Tanks can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic (polyethylene), fiberglass, concrete, and metal. The material chosen depends on factors such as cost, durability, availability, and personal preference.
Placement: While the tanks in Hawaii are often above ground, storage tanks can also be buried underground, which can help to keep the water cooler and reduce evaporation, but these are more expensive to install. Above-ground tanks are typically placed on a stable, level platform to support the weight of the water. They’re also usually placed close to the downspouts for easier collection, and near the home or building for easier access to the water.
Cover: Storage tanks are typically covered or sealed for several reasons. A cover helps to reduce evaporation, particularly in hot or windy weather. It also helps to prevent contamination from leaves, insects, animals, and other sources. In addition, a sealed tank helps to prevent mosquito breeding, which can be a significant issue in tropical areas like Hawaii.
Maintenance: The inside of the tank should be inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of sediments and algae. The water quality should also be checked periodically, particularly if the water is being used for drinking or cooking.
Pump and Treatment Systems
Pump: After rainwater is collected in the storage tank, it doesn’t naturally have the pressure necessary to travel through a home’s plumbing system. A pump is used to provide this pressure. The pump is typically installed near the storage tank and can be automatically activated when a faucet is turned on or when the system’s pressure drops below a certain level. There are various types of pumps suitable for rainwater catchment systems, including centrifugal pumps, jet pumps, and submersible pumps. The choice of pump depends on factors like the size of the system, the distance the water needs to be pumped, and the required pressure.
Treatment Systems: While rainwater is generally clean, it can still contain contaminants. If the water is to be used for drinking, cooking, or other domestic uses, it often needs to be treated to ensure it’s safe. There are several types of treatment systems that can be used:
Filtration: A basic filtration system can remove particles and sediment from the water. These filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
UV (Ultraviolet) Treatment: This involves exposing the water to UV light, which can kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV treatment doesn’t remove chemicals or other dissolved substances, so it’s often used in combination with other treatment methods.
Reverse Osmosis: This is a process that uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing many types of contaminants including salts, nitrates, bacteria, and viruses. However, reverse osmosis systems can be costly and require regular maintenance.
Disinfection: This can be done using chemicals (like chlorine or iodine) or non-chemical methods (like UV light or ozone). The purpose of disinfection is to kill or neutralize harmful microorganisms in the water.
The specific treatment methods required depend on the quality of the collected rainwater and its intended use. It’s important to regularly test the water and adjust treatment as necessary to ensure it remains safe to use.
So, in a nutshell, pumps and treatment systems in a rainwater catchment system are used to provide pressure and ensure the collected water is safe for its intended use. The specific setup can vary depending on a variety of factors, including local water quality and the specific needs and resources of the household or building.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Pros of a Water Catchment System in Hawaii: While water catchment systems can offer a valuable source of water, particularly in high-rainfall, rural areas of Hawaii, they require careful planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the water is safe and the system operates efficiently.
Pros of a Water Catchment System in Hawaii:
Water Availability: In rural areas of Hawaii where municipal water isn’t readily available or is expensive, a water catchment system provides a reliable and independent source of water.
Reduced Water Bills: For homes or businesses that are connected to a municipal water supply, using collected rainwater for non-potable uses (like irrigation, flushing toilets, or washing cars) can significantly reduce water bills.
Sustainability: Collecting and using rainwater reduces reliance on groundwater or surface water resources, which is particularly important in Hawaii, where freshwater resources are limited.
Emergency Preparedness: In the event of a natural disaster or other disruption to the water supply, having a store of water can be a critical asset.
Irrigation: Rainwater is naturally soft (free of minerals found in groundwater like calcium and magnesium) and devoid of chlorine and other chemicals, making it ideal for plants.
Cons of a Water Catchment System in Hawaii:
Initial Cost: The cost of installing a rainwater catchment system can be high, especially if it includes a pump, treatment system, and large storage tank.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to clean the tank, check for leaks, replace filters, maintain pumps and other equipment, and test the water quality. Neglected systems can lead to water contamination.
Water Treatment: If the collected rainwater is used for drinking or cooking, it must be properly treated to remove contaminants, which requires a reliable treatment system and ongoing monitoring.
Aesthetics and Space: Large storage tanks can be visually unappealing and take up a significant amount of space, which could be a problem on smaller properties.
Inconsistent Supply: Despite high average rainfall, there can still be periods of dry weather when no rainwater is collected. A large enough tank or a supplementary water source may be needed for these times.
Vector Breeding: If not properly sealed and maintained, water catchment systems can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests.
Thats the basics
As we draw to a close on our exploration of rainwater catchment systems in Hawaii, I hope you’ve found this journey as enlightening as it was for me growing up with it. This sustainable lifestyle choice isn’t just about harvesting rain; it’s about embodying the spirit of independence, respect for our environment, and above all, an understanding of our place in the natural water cycle.
From my personal experience, I can tell you that living with a water catchment system instills a deeper appreciation for every drop of water that we use. It’s a tangible way to connect with our surroundings, exercise control over our resources, and reduce our environmental impact, all while reaping the rewards of naturally pure, chemical-free water.
Remember, like anything worthwhile, it does require effort – proper design, careful maintenance, and thoughtful water treatment are all necessary for a safe and efficient system. But in return, you’re not just getting ‘free water’. You’re gaining the priceless peace of mind that comes with self-sufficiency, and contributing to a sustainable future for our beautiful islands.
Whether you’re considering installing a catchment system or you’re already living with one, my hope is that you’ve gained valuable insights from this discussion. Every one of us can play a role in making the most of our natural resources and living harmoniously with our environment. Here’s to the joy of capturing the rain and the life it sustains. Mahalo and aloha!
Please stay tuned as we plan on having an multi part explaination of how to build and install your own catchment tank in the future.
About the Author
James T. Morrison, R(S)
James T. Morrison is a Realtor with Koa Realty, inc, and part of the Papakea Collection Sales Team. You can email him directly at:
JTM@Jamesmorrisonhawaii.com or call or text him directly at (808) 339-8249
Licesnse #79190 Realtor
papakeacollection
February 28, 2025
