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Water supply
Water supply projects in Yokohama
Yokohama has been a modern water supply pioneer for over 120 years, dating back to when the first supplies came on tap in 1887. 100% of the population now has access to running water, and stability of supply in the future is assured.
Despite its size, Yokohama has an excellent water environment, and water from the tap is both safe and tasty to drink, thanks to the cutting-edge water purification technologies used by the city. Applying its experience as a consistent leader in the field in Japan, having been the country's first city to build a modern water supply infrastructure, Yokohama makes active use of its technical expertise and human resources to contribute to the environment and the international community.
Yokohama's waterworks history and Waterworks Commemoration Hall
Waterworks commemoration Hall
Yokohama's population grew rapidly following its opening as a port in 1859. As much of the city consisted of reclaimed sea or swampland, however, good quality water could not be obtained even by boring wells. The city's waterworks were designed and built by the British Engineer Henry Spencer Palmer, and became Japan's first modern water supply system in 1887.
The Waterworks Commemoration Hall features historical exhibits, video presentations, and other materials that provide insight into the history of water from when just a cupful was valuable down to the present day. In the spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms make the Ikoi Plaza an attractive place to relax.
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Safe and tasty water
Doshi source
The city water supply comes from a number of sources, including Doshi River in Yamanashi Prefecture and Lake Sagami and Lake Tsukui in the northwest of Kanagawa Prefecture, all of which have low pollution levels and maintain high quality standards. Yokohama takes all possible steps to ensure the quality of its water supply, and in addition to checking water quality in the 50 categories laid down by the central government, it sets its own targets and monitors quality in 67 categories. These targets exceed the water standards set by the central government.
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International contribution
In action in Zanzibar
Making use of its long experience, know-how, and technical expertise, Yokohama has been actively involved in international programs, in collaboration with JICA and CITYNET, to improve access to safe piped water in developing countries since 1973. As of the end of December 2009, the city had hosted 254 trainees from 26 countries and regions and sent 164 personnel to 27 countries, mainly in Asia and Africa. It will continue to contribute in this way internationally as part of its mission as an international city.
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Environmentally friendly water supply system
Solar panels
Water supply projects are closely tied to the environment in that they use water resources circulating in the natural environment to deliver the water needed in everyday life.
Having been chosen as a model green city, Yokohama fulfills its responsibilities in various ways, including by protecting and developing watershed forests in partnership with local residents and through solar power generation projects.
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Bottled “Hamakko Doshi The Water” and protection of water sources
Local volunteers
“Hamakko Doshi The Water” is Yokohama's own brand of bottled water, drawn from the clear waters of Doshi River in Yamanashi Prefecture, which is one of the sources of Yokohama's water supply. It is sold through convenience stores and vending machines in the city, and a portion of the income generated from sales goes toward supporting water source protection campaigns organized by local residents. Watershed forests, also known as “green dams,” retain less water if not properly maintained, and so are protected and nurtured in cooperation with local volunteers.
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