Articles
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Why Are Household Water Treatment Systems Not Widely Adopted? ? The Challenges of Securing Life-Saving Water in Disasters
When you think about disaster preparedness, what comes to mind? More and more households are investing in large battery storage units and solar panels as part of their power outage plans. But when it comes to water preparedness, most hou... -
Can It Be the Lifeline for Emergency Water? ? The Capabilities and Limits of Tokyo’s Emergency Water Supply Stations
What would happen if our lifeline—water—were cut off during a major disaster? In preparation for such emergencies, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has established "Emergency Water Supply Stations" throughout the city. But can these sta... -
How to Secure Safe Water for Babies During a Post-Disaster Water Outage
“Even If You're Fine, Never Run Out of Water for Your Baby — Are You Prepared for What Comes After Your Emergency Stock Runs Out?” In the event of a major disaster, adults may be able to go without water temporarily, but for babies, wate... -
Episode #4: Is the Status Quo Enough for Big City Water Systems? [12-Part Series]
"Tokyo and Osaka: Affordable Water Rates and Seemingly Stable Services - But What's Hidden Beneath? Uncovering Two Critical Issues" At first glance, the water services in Tokyo, Osaka, and other major Japanese cities appear to be in a pr... -
Third Installment: Detaching Suburban Areas and the Episode #3:New Small-Scale Water Systems ? A Low-Cost Community-Driven Supply Model [12-Part Series]
6.4 Trillion Yen in Pipeline Updates! Protecting Suburban Water with Small-Scale Water Systems 6.4 trillion yen — this enormous figure is the estimated cost to replace all water pipes in Japan that have been in service for over 40 years.... -
Episode #2: The Aging Pipe Shock and Optimizing Water Supply Areas [12-Part Series]
One in every four water pipes across Japan has already exceeded its legal service life of 40 years. Replacing them all would cost a staggering 6.4 trillion yen. This estimate is based on applying Tokyo’s pipe replacement unit cost of 40 ... -
Episode #1: 100 Years of Water — The Beginning of Something New [12-Part Series]
With a coverage rate of 98%, Japan’s water supply system has grown impressively—always adapting to meet demand. But now, as circumstances shift, the very nature of that demand is changing dramatically. Japan’s water supply system has dev... -
Series Prologue: 100 Years of Water — And the Next Century Ahead Why Now Is the Time to Talk About the Future of Our Water Systems in Japan
We turn on the tap, and safe, clean water flows out—just as it always has. But this everyday convenience is anything but ordinary. It’s made possible by a vast and sophisticated water infrastructure built over generations, and by the tir... -
Is Tokyo’s 4-Month Free Water Charge Really for the People? – A Water Expert Breaks Down 5 Key Issues
The cost of this “free basic water charge” campaign is 3.68 billion yen—enough to replace approximately 90 kilometers of aging water pipes. Instead, Tokyo is spending the same amount to waive basic water charges for just four months this...
