Founding 50 Offer · First 50 East Hawaiʻi homes get $199 service

Clean catchment water starts with a tank Luke can stand behind.

Owner-operated catchment tank cleaning across Hilo, Puna, and Hāmākua. Written report, before-and-after photos, and a 7-day re-clean promise — every job.

Regular $249 · Founding rate $199 · Save $50

Call Luke — Reserve My $199 Spot See What's Included

No pressure. Luke responds within 4 business hours.

  • Fully insured
  • Hawaiʻi LLC/GET licensed
  • Owner-operated
  • 7-day re-clean promise
Founding 50 Offer

Professional catchment tank cleaning for $199.

$249 $199 Save $50

Save $50 as one of the first 50 Mālama Catchment customers. After 50 founding spots are claimed, the regular price is $249.

  • Owner-operated by Luke (no subcontractors)
  • External-access tank cleaning (no tank entry)
  • Sediment removal and liner-safe scrubbing
  • Cover, inlet, and overflow inspection
  • Free replacement of torn inlet screens and worn hose clamps
  • Written water-quality report after every visit
  • Before-and-after photo documentation
  • 7-day re-clean promise
47 of 50 founding spots remaining
Call Luke — Reserve My $199 Spot

Offer closes when 50 founding appointments are booked. After that, standard service is $249. Pricing applies to standard residential tanks up to 15,000 gallons in our service area. Heavily neglected tanks (over 18 months since last cleaning) may require an additional $75 — Luke will tell you before any work begins.

About Luke

East Hawaiʻi owner-operator. Every tank, every time.

[Founder bio — Luke's version coming. 150–180 words covering the five beats in Part 4 of the master spec: the hook, why this work, how I work, what makes this different, and a personal sign-off. First-person throughout.]

Phone: 808-480-2200 · Mon–Sat 7am–6pm

  • Owner-operated
  • Fully insured
  • Hawaiʻi LLC/GET licensed
  • Serving East Hawaiʻi
  • 7-day re-clean promise

Why "Mālama"?

Mālama (mah-LAH-mah) is a Hawaiian word that means to care for, to protect, to preserve. You hear it most in mālama ʻāina — to care for the land. It's the right name for what this work is.

The water that comes off your roof is the water your kids drink, the water you cook with, the water that runs through everything in your home. It deserves care, not corner-cutting. That's the standard this business is built on — and the standard the name holds me to.

Why catchment cleaning matters

Clean rain doesn't stay clean just because it lands in a tank.

Hilo is one of the wettest populated places in the United States. We get rain on roughly 273 days a year,[1] and every storm washes whatever's on your roof — dust, animal waste, leaves, volcanic particles, even pesticide residues[2] — into the tank that holds your home's water.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health does not regulate individual home catchment systems.[3] That responsibility sits with you. DOH recommends testing for E. coli (must be absent), turbidity (≤5 NTU), lead (≤0.015 mg/L), and copper (≤1.3 mg/L).[3] One peer-reviewed study of roof-harvested rainwater tanks found E. coli in 63% of samples and at least one tested pathogen in 67%.[4] UH CTAHR recommends complete tank cleaning at least every 3 years to reduce these risks.[2]

Mālama Catchment exists to handle this — properly, transparently, and with documentation you can actually keep. Every cleaning ends with before-and-after photos, a written water-quality report, and a clear record of what's in your tank. You'll know what was found, what was cleaned, and what to watch for next.

  1. NOAA NCEI Climate Normals, Hilo International Airport (PHTO). ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals
  2. University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR), Rainwater Catchment Systems Program. ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawaiirain/
  3. Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch — Rainwater Catchment. health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/raincatchment/
  4. Ahmed W, Vieritz A, Goonetilleke A, Gardner T. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, "Microbiological Quality of Roof-Harvested Rainwater and Air Quality at Roof Catchment Surfaces." 2010.
What you get

The Mālama Care Process — 8 steps, every visit.

Pre-cleaning property walk

Before I open your tank, I walk the property with you to check the gutters, downspouts, inlet screens, cover condition, and overflow path. I'll show you anything that needs attention now versus later.

What you see: Luke pointing out specific items, taking notes, asking about your last cleaning.

Why it matters: Most "problems" with catchment water start outside the tank, not inside it.

External-access tank inspection

I drop a borescope camera through the hatch and show you what's in your tank — on my phone, before any work starts. You see the water clarity, the sediment depth, and any biofilm patches that need attention.

What you see: Live video of your tank interior on Luke's phone screen.

Why it matters: You should see the problem before you pay to fix it. No surprises, no "trust me."

Sediment removal

Using a Wayne WaterBUG submersible pump and 100 feet of contractor hose, I drain and remove the sediment layer at the tank floor. The water is land-applied on your property at least 50 feet from any well or stream, per Hawaiʻi best practices.

What you see: Clean discharge of sediment-laden water flowing to a designated disposal area.

Why it matters: Sediment is where biofilm grows and where filters get overworked. Removing it is the core of the cleaning.

Liner-safe sidewall cleaning

I use soft-bristle Carlisle Sparta brushes — the kind that lift biofilm without scratching your liner. Every wall surface gets attention. No abrasive tools, no shortcuts.

What you see: Methodical, top-to-bottom brushing of every interior surface.

Why it matters: Wire brushes or stiff bristles tear vinyl liners and lead to $4,000 reliner repairs. The right tool matters.

Hardware inspection and replacement

I check your inlet screen, hose clamps, cover seal, and overflow setup. Worn nylon screens and rusted clamps get replaced with new stainless hardware — included in your service, no extra charge.

What you see: Old, damaged hardware in a "before" pile next to new replacements.

Why it matters: Torn screens let mosquitoes and rats in. Rusted clamps shed iron into your water. These small parts make a big difference.

Optional residual chlorination

If your tank needs disinfection beyond cleaning, I add a measured residual chlorine dose (1–5 ppm) using unscented Clorox bleach — properly calculated for your tank's volume. For deeper decontamination, a 50 ppm shock treatment is available as a separate service.

What you see: Precise measurement, careful addition, test strip verification.

Why it matters: Cleaning removes biofilm; disinfection kills bacteria. They're different jobs.

Before-and-after photo documentation

I take professional-quality photos throughout the job — before-state interior, process shots, hardware replacements, and final after-state. You receive a digital photo set within 2 hours of my leaving.

What you see: A camera being used at multiple stages, clear photos delivered to your phone or email.

Why it matters: You should have evidence of what was done. Always.

Written water-quality report and aftercare sheet

Before I leave, I deliver a written report covering what I found, what I cleaned, what I replaced, the chlorine residual reading, and what to watch for before your next service. You also get a one-page aftercare sheet with my recommendations.

What you see: A signed document handed to you in person.

Why it matters: Memory fades. Documentation doesn't. Save the report for your home records.

Real East Hawaiʻi tanks

See what comes out of a catchment tank before it reaches your filters.

Every Mālama cleaning is documented with before-and-after photos and a written service report. Below are real jobs from East Hawaiʻi homes. New tanks added weekly.

Before Coming Tuesday
After Coming Tuesday

Pāhoa concrete tank: 3 inches of organic sludge removed; inlet screen replaced. Customer's first cleaning in 5 years.

Before Coming soon
After Coming soon

Keaʻau corrugated tank: visible biofilm cleared from sidewalls; cover seal and clamps replaced. Founding 50 customer.

Before Coming soon
After Coming soon

Hawaiian Acres poly tank: leaf debris and sediment removed; chlorine residual restored to 2 ppm. Annual maintenance customer.

Why Mālama

Built on commitments you can hold me to.

Fully insured for catchment work

General liability coverage plus contractors pollution liability for water-related work. Certificate of insurance available on request.

External-access methodology

I never enter your tank. Mālama uses an external-access cleaning approach designed to reduce confined-space risk and prevent contamination from work boots or equipment.

Written report after every cleaning

Every service includes a written water-quality report covering what was found, what was cleaned, hardware replacements, chlorine residual reading, and what to watch before your next visit.

7-day re-clean promise

If the cleaning doesn't meet your expectations within 7 days, I come back and re-clean the issue at no charge. No paperwork, no argument.

Catchment cleaning questions

What East Hawaiʻi homeowners ask before booking.

What is catchment tank cleaning, and why does my system need it?

Catchment tank cleaning removes sediment, sludge, biofilm, and organic debris that settle on the floor and walls of a rainwater storage tank. In East Hawaiʻi, heavy rainfall and nearby vegetation constantly move roof debris into the system. Cleaning improves water clarity, protects your filters and pumps, and supports a safer household water system.

How often should a catchment tank be cleaned?

Most residential catchment tanks should be inspected yearly and professionally cleaned every 1 to 3 years. UH CTAHR recommends complete cleaning at least every 3 years to reduce bacteria and contaminants. Schedule sooner if your water smells unusual, filters clog quickly, or visible sediment is building up.

Can rat lungworm larvae get into my catchment tank?

Rat lungworm risk comes from infected slugs or snails entering your water system, not from the tank itself. Hawaiʻi DOH advises maintaining covers and replacing filters regularly. Mālama checks covers, inlets, overflows, and screens during every service. For drinking water, use a 5-micron carbon block filter — research shows this is the only filter that reliably blocks larvae.

Does vog affect the safety of catchment water?

Yes. Vog can lower rainwater pH, which increases the risk of metals like lead and copper leaching from older roofs and plumbing. UH CTAHR notes this is especially relevant in Volcano and Puna. During heavy vog episodes, pay closer attention to maintenance, pH, and lab testing.

How do I know if my catchment water is safe to drink?

The only way to know is testing. Hawaiʻi DOH recommends screening for E. coli (must be absent), turbidity (≤5 NTU), lead (≤0.015 mg/L), and copper (≤1.3 mg/L) using approved labs. Tank cleaning supports safety, but proper filtration, disinfection, and periodic lab testing are still essential.

What does a Mālama Catchment cleaning service include?

Every Mālama cleaning includes external-access tank cleaning, sediment removal, liner-safe scrubbing, cover and inlet inspection, free replacement of torn screens and worn clamps, before-and-after photo documentation, and a written water-quality report. The goal isn't just a cleaner tank — it's documentation you can keep.

Can you clean any type of catchment tank?

Mālama cleans common East Hawaiʻi catchment tanks: poly, fiberglass, concrete, and metal systems where access and condition allow safe service. Different materials need different tools and care. Luke confirms tank type, size, access, and condition before finalizing the appointment so there are no surprises.

Is the cleaning process safe for my water system and my family?

The process is built around external-only cleaning, meaning Luke does not enter your tank. This avoids confined-space hazards and prevents any contamination from boots or clothing. Liner-appropriate tools are used throughout. The 7-day re-clean promise covers any issue with the cleaning itself.

How much does catchment tank cleaning cost?

Mālama's launch price is $199 for the first 50 founding customers, compared with the regular $249 service price. Pricing stays transparent — if your tank has unusual access, repair needs, or hasn't been cleaned in 18+ months, Luke will explain any additional cost before any work begins.

Why choose professional cleaning instead of doing it myself?

Professional cleaning is safer and more thorough than most DIY methods. Tanks involve confined-space hazards, biological debris, slippery surfaces, and equipment risks. A professional service also documents tank condition, checks entry points for pests, and removes sediment without you having to climb inside or buy specialized tools.

What areas of Hawaiʻi Island do you serve?

Mālama serves East Hawaiʻi homes in Hilo, Puna, Hāmākua, Pāhoa, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Keaʻau, Mountain View, Volcano, Pepeʻekeo, Honomū, Honokaʻa, and surrounding communities. If you're near the edge of the route, call 808-480-2200 — Luke will confirm availability before booking.

What should I do after my catchment tank is cleaned?

Keep gutters clear, trim vegetation away from the roof and tank, check covers and screens monthly, replace filters on schedule, and test water periodically. Save your written report with home records so the cleaning date and recommendations are easy to find next year.

Where we work

Serving East Hawaiʻi on the Big Island.

Hilo · Keaʻau · Kurtistown · Mountain View · Glenwood · Volcano · Pāhoa · Hawaiian Paradise Park · Hawaiian Acres · Leilani Estates · Nānāwale · ʻŌpihikao · Kalapana · Pepeʻekeo · Pāpaʻikou · Honomū · Honokaʻa · Pāʻauilo · Laupāhoehoe

96720 · 96728 · 96749 · 96760 · 96764
96771 · 96772 · 96776 · 96778 · 96780
96781 · 96783 · 96785

Outside this area? Call 808-480-2200 — Luke can sometimes accommodate jobs on the edge of the service area on a case-by-case basis.

Ready to know what's actually in your tank?

Founding 50 rate of $199 ends when 50 spots are claimed. After that, the regular price of $249 applies. Either way, you'll get the same written report, before-and-after photos, and 7-day re-clean promise.

Call Luke — Reserve My $199 Spot

808-480-2200 · Mon–Sat 7am–6pm · Owner-operated · Fully insured