HONOLULU — Free rainwater assessments are available for residents of the Ala Wai Watershed in urban Honolulu thanks to a partnership between Hawaiʻi Green Growth and 3Rwater.

What You Need To Know

  • The assessments are part of a project to help prevent flooding and brown water runoff during rain events that pollute beaches and waterways and also work toward helping to recharge aquifers ensuring clean drinking water for communities

  • Free rainwater assessments are conducted in a 45-minute in-person meeting using a locally developed app, Follow the Drop

  • 3Rwater interprets the data provided by homeowners and recommends the best sizes and types of rainwater capture solutions that can include rain gardens, bioswales, rain barrels and other options

The assessments are part of a project to help prevent flooding and brown water runoff during rain events that pollute beaches and waterways. In the long run, the assessments also work toward helping recharge aquifers and ensure clean drinking water for communities.

Assessments are conducted in a 45-minute in-person meeting using a locally developed app, Follow the Drop. 3Rwater, a climate-technology company that works to build water security and resiliency through technology, interprets the data provided by homeowners and recommends the best sizes and types of rainwater capture solutions, which can include rain gardens, bioswales, rain barrels, and other options.

"This groundbreaking program provides essential, community-based solutions to protect our water resources through nature-based methods," said Palolo Neighborhood Board Chair Colin Peros in a news release. "Effective stormwater management is key to enhancing the resilience of our watershed against climate challenges.

"I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of these free assessments to help safeguard your household from flooding, but more importantly to help regenerate our watershed and aquifer. This initiative is a remarkable benefit to our community, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for all," said Peros.

(Map courtesy of Hawaiʻi Green Growth)

A public-private partnership bringing together government, business, and community leaders, Hawaiʻi Green Growth works toward building sustainability and resiliency in Hawaii.

"Through this partnership with 3Rwater, we are excited to offer free rainwater assessments to residents of the Ala Wai Watershed. By leveraging technology and community engagement, we can mitigate flooding, reduce pollution, and ensure the sustainability of our water resources. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering resilient and thriving communities throughout Hawaii," said Hawaiʻi Green Growth CEO Celeste Connors.

Visit the Hawaiʻi Green Growth website for more information and to book a free rainwater assessment.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.