Industrial water

Industrial water started to be supplied in Tokyo at the time of high economic growth when the demand for industrial water was rapidly increasing. It started in the Kotoku District in 1964 and the Johoku District in 1971. The problem of land subsidence due to pumping an excessive amount of underground water had been serious in these eastern areas of Tokyo. In order to stop the pumping of underground water, industrial waterworks were constructed as a substitute. These measures, in place since 1975, have been seen as one of the main reasons for the cessation of subsidence in the eastern areas of Tokyo.

However, since demand for industrial water has been decreasing since 1974, owing to the relocation of factory sites, water conservation policies, etc., some of the water has been converted to use in incineration plants, for car washing, and for flushing toilets. Even so, the volume of industrial water use is still at excessive levels, and the accounts of the industrial water industry have continued to be in the red. Along with the problem of ageing facilities, a complete restructuring of the operation must be sought.