2 Role of Japan Water Works Association (Japan Water Works Association)

Summary

Sakura Yamada, a staff member of the Japan Waterworks Association (JWWA), provides an insightful overview of Japan's water supply system and JWWA's pivotal role. The presentation covers Japan's history with modern waterworks, challenges like aging infrastructure, financial issues, and skilled manpower shortages. JWWA's efforts to improve water quality, support water utilities, and collaborate internationally are highlighted. Their work includes developing guidelines, providing certification, and training programs. JWWA also partners with global organizations to share Japan’s advanced water technologies and expertise with developing nations, aiming to enhance water supply systems worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan's modern water supply system began in 1887 with the first system in Yokohama.
• 😀 The Water Supply Ordinance, enacted in 1890, established the first national law for water supply in Japan.
• 😀 The Waterworks Law of 1957 required waterworks management for business facilities and introduced chlorination disinfection.
• 😀 There is a clear correlation between the increasing water supply coverage ratio and the decreasing number of waterborne diseases in Japan.
• 😀 The Japan Waterworks Association (JWWA) was established in 1904 to standardize and promote water supply systems nationwide.
• 😀 JWWA is a nonprofit organization that represents water utilities in Japan, aiming to enhance public health and water service development.
• 😀 JWWA's funding comes primarily from membership and inspection/certification fees, with no financial support from the national government.
• 😀 Japan’s water sector faces three major challenges: aging infrastructure, financial strain, and a shortage of skilled technicians.
• 😀 JWWA addresses challenges by providing guidelines, manuals, inspections, and certification services to maintain high-quality waterworks standards.
• 😀 JWWA also plays a key role in international water sector cooperation, sharing Japan's expertise with developing countries and collaborating with organizations like IWA and JICA.
• 😀 JWWA hosts training programs for overseas water supply engineers, helping to improve waterworks systems in developing nations.

Q & A

What was the first modern water supply system in Japan?

The first modern water supply system in Japan was established in Yokohama in 1887.

What was the primary goal of the Japan Waterworks Association (JWWA) when it was founded in 1904?

The primary goal of JWWA when it was founded in 1904 was to standardize water quality examinations and promote the widespread use of water supply systems.

What are the three key components of the Japanese water supply system?

The Japanese water supply system is mainly structured by national, prefectural, and municipal governments. Water utilities, which are primarily prefectural and municipal governments, play the actual role in supplying water.

What is JWWA's current purpose and main activities?

JWWA's current purpose is to contribute to the development of water services by creating proposals for problem-solving, establishing guidelines, and supporting member utilities with various services like inspection and certification.

What was the impact of Japan’s modern water supply system on waterborne diseases?

As the coverage ratio of the modern water supply system increased, the number of patients infected by waterborne diseases decreased significantly, as shown in the graph during the presentation.

How does JWWA support water utilities in Japan during emergencies?

JWWA has a system where, in case of a disaster, the local branches request neighboring water utilities for support. If they cannot assist, regional branches and the Tokyo headquarters mobilize water utilities nationwide to provide assistance.

What are the major challenges currently facing Japan's water sector?

The major challenges in Japan's water sector are aging infrastructure, financial difficulties, and a shortage of skilled human resources in the waterworks field.

What role does JWWA play in addressing the shortage of manpower in Japan's water sector?

JWWA addresses the shortage of manpower by providing various training programs for water supply engineers, with about 18 different training programs available.

How does JWWA contribute to international waterworks development?

JWWA shares Japan’s water supply technology and expertise with developing countries, organizes overseas training programs, and cooperates with international water organizations like the IWA to strengthen global waterworks networks.

How does JWWA support the quality of waterworks equipment?

JWWA sets national standards for water-related products and conducts inspection and certification services for these products. Manufacturers whose products pass the inspection can label them with the certification mark.