I was looking at a property that said "no county water!" Questions ran through my mind about how I would obtain the water I needed to live on this beautiful Island of Hawaii. Then I read about water catchment and needed a complete education. So much to learn moving to Hawaii, and this is just one of the many things that are top on the list, "WATER CATCHMENT!"
Water catchment is a method of collecting and storing rainwater for household use. It involves capturing rainwater from roofs and other surfaces, directing it through gutters and downspouts, and storing it in tanks or cisterns for later use.
In Hawaii, water catchment is a common method of obtaining water, particularly in rural areas where there may not be access to municipal water supplies. The state has specific regulations governing the design and construction of catchment systems to ensure that they are safe and sustainable. Having a covering over the tank aides in keeping the water cleaner and keeping animals, leaves and bugs out!
Many people use this as their entire water source. There are many benefits to using water catchment in Hawaii but top on my list is it can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It can also provide a source of water during periods of drought or when municipal water supplies are disrupted. Additionally, using rainwater for household needs can reduce the demand on the local aquifer and municipal water supplies. While the rain coming off your roof is free there is much to learn about using it safely!
Consider some of the potential downsides to using water catchment. For one, the quality of rainwater can vary depending on the environment and the type of roofing material used. What is on your roof goes into your system and it can be contaminated with pollutants such as dust, dirt, and airborne chemicals along with leaves and debris from the gutters. It's important to regularly test the water for contaminants and to maintain the catchment system to ensure that it is clean and safe to use. Installing filters and UV lights can even allow you to drink it safely.
Overall, water catchment can be a viable and sustainable option for obtaining water in Hawaii, but it's important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks and to follow local regulations and best practices for designing and maintaining a catchment system.