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Water Catchment Systems Volcanic emissions can cause contamination of water in catchment systems. These emissions are the greatest cause of acid rain in Hawai'i. Gases released by the volcano, particularly sulfur dioxide, combine with water in the air to form a dilute sulfuric acid that falls to the earth as acid rain. This acid rain can contaminate the water in catchment tanks because acidity increases the possibility of lead leaching into your water system. The lead comes from lead headed nails, lead flashings, lead paint, and lead solder. Ash fall can also contaminate the water in a catchment system. The ash particles can get into the water tank either by being washed off the roof when it rains or by falling directly into the storage tank if it does not have a solid cover. The following suggestions may help protect you and your catchment system: • The safest action is to temporarily disconnect pipe from roof, or use filters to block or remove ash. • Avoid drinking or cooking with your catchment water if the quality is questionable. • Be aware that ash may affect catchment pump and filter systems. • Keep extra water sediment filters on hand in case of very heavy ash fall. For your information, emergency water spigots have been established throughout the island. It is strongly advised that if the quality of your catchment water is questionable, use these spigots established by the Department of Water Supply for your drinking and cooking needs. More information about water catchment can be found at: htto:/ /hawaii. aov /health /envi ron mental /water /sdwb /ra incatch/raincatch.html htti)://www.eng.warwick.ac.uk/ircsa/factsheets/Hawii RainHarv.pdf http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/water/index.html Agriculture The recent increased volcanic activity at Kilauea's Halema'uma'u crater has not only caused concern for human health and safety, but also for various farm activities, including livestock, food crops and nursery industries. Livestock: The Hawai'i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is advising ranchers in areas downwind of the volcano to closely monitor the health of their livestock and report any observations to HDOA as soon as possible at 974 -6503 (Hilo) or (808) 483 -7106 (Honolulu). Ranchers are advised to: • Be on the lookout for eye infections and gastrointestinal and respiratory problems in livestock. • Ensure that an adequate supply of clean water is available. • Consult with their veterinarians. Agricultural Crops: Ash fall can have serious detrimental effects on agricultural crops depending on ash thickness, the type and growing condition of a crop, and timing and intensity of subsequent rainfall. Although crops that are under cover do have some protection, there is little that can be done to protect field crops from ash fall. Harvested crops should be thoroughly washed prior to consumption. Overhead irrigation of greenhouse nursery stock may be helpful to wash away ash and residue, and minimize chemical damage to flowers and foliage. Emergency Plans As a precautionary measure, family emergency plans should be developed so you will be prepared in the event winds carry higher levels of sulfur dioxide, ash, and /or vog into your neighborhood. A family emergency plan should include the following: • A plan on leaving the area — this could be if evacuation is recommended, or if you are feeling health effects and make your own decision to go to a different area. • A plan to secure your home, business, and property. • Preparation of an evacuation kit. • Plans for the care of your pets. All household members should be familiar with the emergency plan. Contact Information: Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency (808) 935 -0031 http: / /Iavainfo.usl http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cd/index.htm USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (808) 967 -8862 — Recording of Daily Activity Summary (808) 967 -7328 — Other questions related to volcanic activity http://hvo,wr.usgs.gov/ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (808) 985 -6000 http://www.nps.gov/havo State of Hawaii Department of Health (808) 933 -0917 — Hilo (808) 322 -1507 — Kona http: / /hawaii.gov.health/ State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture (808) 974 -6503 — Livestock Disease Control Veterinarian (808) 483 -7103 — State Veterinarian http: / /hawaii.gov.hdoa American Lung Association of Hawaii (808) 935 -1206 htti)://www.ala-hawaii.org MO Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Brief summary of hazards and protective measures April 2008 (Second revision 4108) Recent changes in activity at Halema'uma'u crater at the Kilauea summit have increased the potential hazards for Hawai'i Island. These hazards include ash fall, higher levels of sulfur dioxide and vog. A partnership has been formed among key agencies of your Federal, State and County governments with the private sector to monitor these hazards and provide you with the best and most reliable information so you can minimize the risk to you and your family. This guide has been developed to provide you with information on: • These hazards and their health effects • Protective measures • Impact on catchment systems and agriculture • How you will be kept informed • How to contact various agencies to obtain additional information