Catchment Service · Puna & East Hawaii

Roof washing for cleaner catchment water.

On catchment, your roof is your water's first filter — everything that lands on it ends up in your tank. We safely wash away the VOG film, moss, and organic buildup that collect on Puna roofs, using methods that won't contaminate your water. A cleaner roof means cleaner water before it ever reaches your filters.

What a WaterWise roof wash includes

  • VOG & film removal — we clear the gray VOG residue that settles out of the air and dulls your roof.
  • Moss & algae treatment — the green growth that thrives in Puna's wet climate gets cleared, not just knocked back.
  • Organic debris clearing — leaves, blossoms, and the gunk that builds up in valleys and along gutters.
  • Gutter & flow check — we make sure water is actually reaching your tank cleanly, not pooling or overflowing.
  • Catchment-safe method — no harsh chemical washes that could end up in your drinking water.

Why your roof is your water's first filter

In Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pahoa, and across Puna, rain hits your roof and runs straight to your tank. Whatever is sitting on that roof — VOG drifting in from Kīlauea, moss feeding on 120+ inches of annual rain, bird droppings, and constant organic debris — washes into your catchment with the next storm. The cleaner your roof, the less of that load your filters and tank ever have to deal with.

That's also why the washing method matters so much. A standard roof wash often uses bleach or detergents that are fine for a county-water home but a real problem for catchment — those chemicals follow the same path the rain does, right into your tank. We use methods chosen to clean effectively without contaminating your stored water.

How it works

1

Free assessment

We look at your roof, your buildup, and your catchment setup, and tell you honestly whether a wash is worth it.

2

Safe wash

We clear the VOG, moss, and debris using a catchment-safe method — no harsh chemicals headed for your tank.

3

First-flush & check

We make sure the first dirty runoff diverts away and confirm cleaner water is flowing toward your tank.

What it costs

Cost depends on your roof's size, pitch, access, and how much buildup has accumulated, so we don't quote sight-unseen. The assessment is always free and the quote is transparent. Many homeowners pair roof washing with a tank cleaning or fold it into a maintenance plan so the whole system stays clean together. Call or text 808-765-7234 for a free on-site estimate.

Common questions

Will washing my roof contaminate my catchment water?

Not the way we do it. We deliberately avoid the bleach and detergents used in standard roof washing, because on catchment those chemicals run straight into your tank. Our method cleans without putting anything harmful in your water.

How often should a catchment roof be washed?

It depends on your tree cover and VOG exposure, but most Puna roofs benefit from a wash every year or two. If you can see moss or a gray film building up, it's time.

Does a clean roof really make my water better?

Yes. Less buildup on the roof means less sediment and organic load reaching your tank, which keeps your water clearer, your filters lasting longer, and your tank cleaner between deep cleans.

Related services

Is VOG and moss building up on your roof?

We'll take a look and tell you whether a wash is worth it — no charge, no pressure.