Kofu City Introduces Space-Based Water Management Solutions for Sustainable Infrastructure

Kofu City’s Innovative Water Management Initiative

Kofu City’s Water and Sewer Bureau has taken a significant step towards ensuring the sustainability of municipal water services by implementing the innovative "Space Water Bureau" initiative. This solution, developed by the space venture company Tenchijin, certified by JAXA, utilizes satellite data and artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the pressing challenges faced in Japan’s water infrastructure.

Addressing Japan's Water Infrastructural Challenges

Japan's water supply systems are currently beleaguered by challenges, chiefly the deterioration of aging water pipes. Recent massive water leakage events across the country have highlighted the precarious state of water infrastructure, with approximately 25.3% of the 189,000 km of water supply pipes exceeding their legally mandated lifespan. Traditional inspection, maintenance, and repair methods require substantial costs and cannot cover extensive areas within short timeframes.

Moreover, the issues are expected to intensify due to the declining population and an aging society, which will lead to reduced revenue and an expected drop in workforce numbers. In light of these challenges, Tenchijin aims to contribute sustainably through the application of satellite data.

Kofu City’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Services

Blessed with a rich natural environment, Kofu City benefits from vital water sources, including surface water from the Ara River and underground water from Showa Town and the former Nakado Town. The Kofu City Water and Sewer Bureau has committed to providing a stable and enriching living environment through its "Kofu City Water and Sewer Business Management Strategy 2025." This strategic plan emphasizes long-term, systematic, and efficient management of water services, while also promoting a green transformation (GX) to simultaneously tackle decarbonization and local issues.

Recently, Kofu has also received certification based on the Water GLP (Water Quality Test Standards), reflecting their commitment to sustainable practices that prioritize environmental considerations and customer needs.

The Role of the Space Water Bureau

The Space Water Bureau is a groundbreaking solution aimed at enhancing water management efficiency through advanced technologies. By streamlining leak detection methods and focusing investigation resources, it will support Kofu City's efforts to improve the management of their water systems for future generations.

According to officials from the Kofu City Water and Sewer Bureau, they have conducted immediate repairs to surfaces affected by leakages and implemented systematic leak investigations. However, the number of repairs has not significantly increased, and achieving a high ratio of water revenues remains a challenge. They recognized the necessity of quickly identifying and addressing even minor underground leakages to improve efficiency further.

Utilizing satellite technology and an AI-driven risk assessment system, the Kofu City Bureau can now precisely identify high-risk areas for leakage, allowing them to conduct efficient inspections and identify priority segments for urgent repairs.

Comprehensive Support from the Space Water Bureau

The Space Water Bureau offers crucial support through several core functionalities:

- Leak Risk Assessment: It provides detailed, meter-level diagnostics utilizing satellite data, enabling high-resolution monitoring of leak risks in real-time and near-future scenarios. This capability helps local authorities determine the highest priority areas for investigation efficiently.
- Tailored Pipe Renewal Planning: By integrating the results of pipe assessments with considerations of their “health” and societal importance (ranging from residential areas to essential infrastructure), the initiative helps draft plans for pipe renewals. It offers flexible scenarios that prioritize risks during normal operations or in emergencies, allowing municipalities to make informed decisions in line with local concerns.

The inherent value of the Space Water Bureau lies in its fusion of years of accumulated municipal data with cutting-edge satellite technology. This innovative approach is expected to evolve how municipalities conduct leak inspections and develop renewal plans, driving significant improvements in water management.

Conclusion

As Kofu City implements this new solution, it reflects its commitment to utilizing both historical knowledge and future technologies to create more effective water management practices. This initiative aims to launch a new approach to municipal water services that can achieve substantial results with limited resources, preserving and enhancing the quality of life for residents for generations to come.