PRINCIPAL POLICIES OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC ENTERPRISE BUREAUS

Bureau of Waterworks

1.Water Supply in Tokyo

Water supply services began in Tokyo in 1898. Since then, efforts to secure water sources and upgrade water facilities have resulted in world-class standards in terms of operation and scale. The Bureau of Waterworks ensures that around 12.37 million residents in the entire ward area and the 25 municipalities in the Tama area have access to water services.

Basic Figures of the Bureau of Waterworks

2.Operations Management

The bureau has formulated the Tokyo Waterworks Management Plan 2007 for the period from fiscal 2007 to 2009 in order to engage in the new development of water services for the future generation.

- Management Policy

As the lifeline supporting the everyday activities of Tokyo residents and the urban activities of the capitol city of Tokyo, the bureau will make efforts to operate efficiently while providing services to ensure the even greater safety and stability of water supply.
The traditions of Tokyo's waterworks will be passed on to the next generation while also advancing initiatives that look toward the future.

- Key Policies

• Ensure a stable supply of high quality tap water
  • Secure stable sources of water
  • Further promote risk management measures such as strengthening quake resistance of water purification facilities and replacing aging supply lines
  • Steadily introduce advanced purification systems and reduce residual chlorine
  • The Safe and Tasty Water Project
    This project aims to produce and provide high quality tap water to customers, and to roll out publicity activities that take in customer perspective
• Improve customer services in line with demand
  • Introduce a credit card payment system
  • Increase public hearings
  • Enhance the image of waterworks facilities by developing tours of water purification plants, installing signs, etc.
• Strengthen the management base by forging a system for efficient and responsible management
  • Build up an integrated operations management system comprising the Bureau of Waterworks and organizations supervised by the TMG
  • Establish targeted management utilizing operation benchmarks
• Broaden regional scope to increase stability of water supply and to ensure efficient management
  • Phase out the commissioning of administrative duties to the Tama municipalities
  • Strengthen the system for mutual accommodation of water between Tokyo and neighboring prefectures
  • Conduct joint disaster management drills with nearby entities
• Promote a wide range of measures for the next generation
  • Model project for direct water supply to drinking taps in public elementary schools A model project to shift the method of water supply in public elementary schools from storage in a water tank to one in which water is supplied directly to the taps.
  • Waterworks Caravan
    Easy-to-understand talks and skits on waterworks geared to 4th graders are conducted by visiting elementary schools
  • Promote environmental policies including preservation of the water source forests and building solar power facilities

Asaka Water Purification Plant

Advanced Water Purification System

3.Contributions to Domestic and Overseas Waterworks

The Bureau of Waterworks has one of the world's most outstanding facilities and levels of technology. It is thus expected to play a role as the forerunner in waterworks for not only Japan but the world as well.
In response to such anticipations, the bureau strives to actively contribute to domestic and foreign waterworks. Staff members are sent overseas based on requests from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other organizations to provide technological assistance. Overseas trainees and inspection groups are received. Trainees from Asia are also accepted through a joint project of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21.

Comparison of Water Leakage with Other Cities