Caring for the land, or Malama ‘Aina, is an important part of the culture here in Maui. Everyone does their part to keep and preserve the environment for generations to come.
One way to help care for the land is to gather readily available rainwater and use it around the home. Gathered water is great for watering plants and other non-potable uses. A water catchment system helps reduce your monthly water bill as well as demand for groundwater. You can also reduce waste and erosion.
If you’re planning to live off the grid, or in any area without water service, a water catchment system is an essential part of your homestead. Many parts of Maui receive considerable rainfall, so it makes sense to harvest this water for home use.
What You Need
Catchment is more than just a water tank out back. For the water to be usable, it must be kept clean, free of debris, insects, and animals. If you plan to use the collected water for drinking, you’ll also need a system for purification. Many designs include pumps, filters, floats, and other accoutrements to move water from the tank and into your house, to your lawn, or wherever you plan to use the water. Much will depend on the design of your system and your intended use.
The primary objectives for your storage system are to maintain hygiene, ensure safety, provide screening, sealing, and security. The water tank must be protected against access by children, insects, rodents, domestic animals, and sunlight since exposure can promote the growth of algae.
Using Your System
Once installed and functional, you’ll need to monitor your water and your system to ensure that everything is working properly. If you’re planning to use the water for drinking, you must regularly monitor water quality to ensure that it is safe for everyone.
You’ll also need to visually inspect your system periodically for rust and other damage. Filters will need regular changing to ensure clean water. Your purification system will also likely need maintenance to ensure water purity.
Additional Information
The County of Maui requires a building permit for any tank over 15,000 gallons. This guide to water catchment systems from the County offers information on collection, building a system, maintenance, water quality, and water treatment.
The State of Hawaii’s Department of Health’s website lists information about building and using water catchment systems. The University of Hawaii’s website also has information. Additional information on water catchment is available at the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association’s website.
WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME?
You can reduce your carbon footprint with a water catchment system installed in your home.
Pro Draft can help design your new “green” Hawaiian home or building with LEED certification and include a water catchment system for your home. Whether it’s new construction or remodeling an existing home, we can make it easy to make your home more environmentally conscious on a small or large scale.
We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland