There are many resources to help you with planning and maintaining a rainwater catchment system.  Here are some that we recommend:

Brochures: Rainwater Catchment Solutions series

Welcome to Rainwater Catchment [PDF: 894 KB - Aug 12, 2008]
This brochure provides an overview of rainwater catchment, including its benefits.  Ideal for those who are new to the concept.

Chuukese version: Etiwok ngeni ei pekin Sousoun Konik

Clean Water Starts Before Your Tank [PDF: 6.48 MB - Aug 19, 2008]
This brochure discusses means of keeping your catchment water cleaner before the tank to lengthen the life of filters and pumps and improve water quality.

Chuukese version: Nimochun Konik e Akomw Mwan Omw Tanguk

First-Flush Diverters [PDF: 906 KB - Aug 12, 2008]
This brochure tells you how to have a cleaner water supply by diverting the first rainfall that touches your roof, where debris collects between rainfalls.

Chuukese version: Kokus-Akomw Diverters

Ultra-Violet (UV) Light Water Treatment Systems [PDF: 848 KB - Aug 14, 2008]
This brochure tells you how UV lights decontaminte water and make it safe, as well as how to maintain the light systems.

Chuukese version: Ultra-Violet (UV) Saram non Nimenimen Konik

Decontaminate & Maintain Your Catchment System [PDF: 1.17 MB - Aug 12, 2008]
This brochure tells you how to decontaminate your catchment system and keep it in good condition.

Chuukese version: Iei usun omw kopwe nimeti pwan anganga omw nenien sousoun konik

How to Build an Overflow Device for Your Tank [PDF: 887 KB - Aug 12, 2008]
This brochure tells you how to protect your tank and foundation by building an overflow device.

Chuukese version: Epwe iei sakun Foforun Pisekin "Overflow/Urou" ren omw Tanguk

Filters for Rainwater Catchment Systems [PDF: 5.34 MB - Aug 22, 2008]
This brochure provides an overview of filter options and maintenance after the tank.

Chuukese version: Moromor ren pekin nenien sousoun pungun ran

How to Build a Floating Intake [PDF: 909 KB - Aug 22, 2008]
This publication provides instructions for building a floating intake device to draw water from the cleanest part of your tank.

For supplemental floating intake information sheet, please click here.

Local Hawai`i Services

2008 Services Directory [PDF: 740 KB - Aug 25, 2008]

This directory lists water catchment service providers, suppliers and maintainers, mostly in Hawai`i County.  (8 pages)

Note: Interested in being part of the next edition of the Services Directory?  Click here to email us your contact information.

Catchment System Design & Maintenance

Guidelines on Rainwater Catchment Systems for Hawai`i [PDF: 5.94 MB - Jul 31, 2007]
Prepared by College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai`i at Manoa.

Guidelines print version order form
Guidelines download

Rainwater Tanks: Their Selection, Use and Maintenance [PDF: 765 KB - Jul 31, 2007]
Prepared by Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal  Affairs, South Australian Government

Guidance on the Use of Rainwater Tanks [PDF: 142 KB - Aug 01, 2007]
Prepared by David A. Cunliffe for the National Environmental  Health Forum (Australia)

Texas Rainwater Harvesting Guide [PDF: 2.48 MB - Aug 01, 2007]
Prepared by Texas Water Development Board

Radio interview on caring for your rainwater catchment system
This is a 5-minute interview with Dr. Stan Abbott, director of the Roof Water Research Centre, Massey University, New Zealand, about rainwater harvesting and system care.

Farming & Sustainable Development

Beyond More Crop per Drop [PDF: 1.91 MB - Aug 01, 2007]
The International Water Management Institute, along with nine other partners, explores factors driving the water-food-environment situation.  This publication engages readers to think about five key areas for action, including: increasing blue water productivity; increasing green water productivity; increasing access to water resources; balancing water for food & other ecosystem services; & investing in water security to aid poverty alleviation.  These will result in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), capacity building & continued research.

Ferrocement Tanks

Harvesting the Rain: A Construction Manual for Cement Rainwater Jars & Tanks [PDF: 1.21 MB - Sep 21, 2007]
This is a do-it-yourself guide from UNICEF for building ferrocement water jars and tanks with photographs, based on a successful project in Thailand.

Rain Barrels

How to Build a Rain Barrel
This is an overview of how rain barrels can work for garden irrigation, produced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  Also includes instructions on how to build a low-cost rain barrel, as well as some commercial resources.

How to Build a Rain Barrel
This contains a parts shopping list plus detailed instructions and photos for constructing rain barrels for your garden, an overview of the process, benefits, plus a rainfall/rain barrel calculator.  With thanks to DIYers Rebecca & Andre Chesin.

Wildlife

Rainwater Catchment for Range Livestock
This publication helps you to determine how to water your range livestock with rainwater catchment.  Produced by Billy Kniffen, Cooperative Extension Agent, Texas A&M University.