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Homeowner Education
At the Hawai’i Institute of Rainwater, understanding rainwater harvesting and catchment systems are key to ensuring public health. Providing the tools and information creates a clearer understanding of housing needs.
Understanding your Context
How much rainfall does my area get throughout the year?
How much water do you use, and what do you use it for?
How many people are in my household?
Procuring Storage and Installation Materials
What are the different types catchment systems?
Where can I buy the equipment?
What are the building standards?
Water Collection and Monthly Maintenance
How often do I need to Inspect the roof, gutters, downspouts and storage tanks?
How do I keep my storage tank and water quality healthy?
Filtration and Water Treatment
What are the options for treating my water?
How can I monitor and test the water quality?
Tracking Water Catchment Health
A Water Catchment Transparency Report can help homeowners and users on catchment understand all of the major components of your catchment system, including water quality, and will provide you recommendations for improving the system for your household. Each Catchment WTR includes a structured field assessment and documentation of key system components to provide insight on:
Health Awareness – A WTR identifies health and safety risks before they become problems. Untreated or poorly maintained catchment systems can harbor bacteria and contaminants that pose risks, especially for immune‑compromised users and vulnerable populations, including keiki.
Transparency and informed decision – Homeowners, Landlords, Property Managers, Buyers, sellers, and Realtors gain clear documentation of system condition and performance.
Risk Assessment – Identifies deficiencies, system condition and functionality, deferred maintenance, and potential health concerns before they become emergencies. This evaluation creates a baseline for proper maintenance and future improvements
Informed Disclosure and clean documentation – Supports defensible, well‑documented real‑estate transactions involving catchment systems.
Learn more about the importance of WTR’s for real estate transactions here.
Building inspection
Storage tank condition, access, and integrity
Roof catchment surface and gutters
Conveyance piping and fittings
First‑flush diverter and debris management
Treatment recommendation
Filtration components: Every system should have at least two filters — one to remove the organics and the sediment, and a second activated carbon block unit to trap and treat finer particulates and chemicals.
Disinfection method and application
Consider yet another layer of disinfection for the harder-to-remove metals, dissolved mineral and bacteria.
Education Over Regulation – Encourages responsible ownership without relying on government oversight.