Life in Business: Water Works

Verne Wood, founder of WaterWorks, is a pioneer in the business of water catchment services and products on an island where many homes are independent of the County water system and rely on collecting rainwater.

The company began more than 20 years ago as a trucking company in Puna, hauling water to homes with water catchment systems. Responding to an apparent need, the company started providing related products and services to homeowners who wanted to improve their water systems.

“Although we do offer a variety of other water products, water catchment systems have always been the backbone of the company,” said Wood. WaterWorks is a major supplier on the island of water supply systems for agricultural, commercial and governmental projects

WaterWorks moved from Puna to Hilo 10 years ago and recently moved to a prime location there. “In our new flagship location, at the zero-mile marker of our two highways, we’ve been able to liven up our business with a brighter showroom and a better display of our hot tubs, pools, and water catchment products,” Wood explained. The company also has a second location in Kealakekua on the island’s
west side.

Part of the mission and philosophy of WaterWorks is an ongoing effort towards changing the way that people think about their water supply choices and providing viable alternatives to municipal water sources.

“We are unique as a result of our original commitment towards improving and legitimizing the water catchment industry,” said Wood. “Our pioneering in this field is now drawing a lot of attention from other areas of the country where people are becoming more self-reliant and choosing ‘greener’ alternatives for the design of their water systems.”

There are very real health consequences of bathing in, preparing food, and ingesting water from untreated catchment water. WaterWorks has worked closely with the University of Hawai‘i to educate the public of the benefits of ultra-violet disinfection, and there are other products they offer for their efficacy in providing clean and healthy water.

Store Locations: 1717 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo

79-7511 Mamalahoa Hwy., South Kona

Phone:  808.933.9111 (Hilo), 808.322.2222 (Kona)

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Email:  info@waterworkshawaii.com

Website: www.WaterWorksHawaii.com