Suidou Kiko Collaborates on Hiroshima's Water Supply Vision Project

Suidou Kiko Enhances Water Supply in Hiroshima

Suidou Kiko Co., Ltd., headquartered in Setagaya, Tokyo, has secured a contract for the renewal of the activated carbon injection facilities at the Koyou Water Plant, operated by the Hiroshima City Waterworks Bureau. This critical project, slated to start on May 26, 2025, and run until June 4, 2029, aligns with Hiroshima City's long-term water supply vision.

The main goal of this infrastructure development is to replace aging facilities to ensure stable water quality for many years to come. Initiated in 2009, the “Hiroshima City Water Vision” set forth the objectives of maintaining the reliability and stability of water supply while establishing a sustainable water distribution system for the future. It has become essential for cities across Japan, like Hiroshima, to address the issues of aging water facilities, particularly those developed post-World War II. Challenges including disaster preparedness, increased costs for facility updates, and decreasing water demand due to declining population highlight the urgency for infrastructure revitalization.

This renewal project at Koyou Water Plant is a vital step toward delivering safe and consistent water service for Hiroshima residents.

Project Overview

The renewal work focuses on two main areas: the activation of the carbon injection facilities and the replacement of the plant’s piping systems.

Update of Activated Carbon Injection Facilities

Activated carbon is utilized to adsorb and remove unpleasant taste and odor compounds from the raw water, particularly important in summer months when musty smells and organic matter become more prominent. By updating these facilities, improved treatment efficiency will be achieved, thereby ensuring consistent water quality irrespective of seasonal variations.

Renewal of Plant Piping Systems

The aging pipes have been in operation for years, resulting in heightened risks of leaks and corrosion. The renewal will enhance safety and durability while improving the efficiency of maintenance and management processes.

Background of the Project

Since its establishment in 1980, Koyou Water Plant has been a crucial facility for Hiroshima, boasting a capacity of approximately 200,000 cubic meters per day. It plays an essential role in supplying water to both northern and eastern areas of the city. Through the implementation of the updated facilities, Hiroshima City aims to maintain its commitment to providing safe and reliable water service as outlined in the Hiroshima City Water Vision.

Understanding Hiroshima City Water Vision

The Hiroshima City Water Vision serves as a strategic guideline for operating the city's water service through 2027. With the surrounding economic environment continually tightening, the city faces diminishing water demand since the historic peak in 1992. Although the revenue from water tariffs is declining, there remains an increasing necessity for investments to update facilities and improve service levels in anticipation of natural disasters, which unfortunately do not translate into higher revenue.

The Water Vision stresses the importance of disaster response efforts, facility modernization, environmental conservation, operational efficiency, and the overall enhancement of service quality. It also incorporates periodic evaluations and revisions based on societal changes, with significant updates made in February 2018.

About Koyou Water Plant

- Name: Koyou Water Plant
- Location: 6-1-1 Ochiainami, Asa-kita Ward, Hiroshima
- Supply Area: Parts of Asa-kita and Asa-minami Wards, eastern regions of Hiroshima City
- Supply Capacity: 200,000 cubic meters per day
- Area: approximately 350,000 square meters
- Operational Since: July 1980

Suidou Kiko Company Overview

Suidou Kiko Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to the water sector for about a century since its founding in 1924. With a corporate motto aimed at creating a sustainable environment for the future, the company focuses on connecting humanity and the planet through water technology and solutions.