Innovative Hose Solutions for Aging Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery

Innovative Hose Solutions for Aging Infrastructure

As concerns surrounding aging infrastructure grow, a recent survey conducted by Do Yamamoto Co., Ltd. has revealed that a staggering 83.5% of respondents express anxiety over the deterioration of local water supply systems. The company, based in Koto, Tokyo, undertook the survey via their official X account from March 19 to March 24, 2025, gathering responses from 533 individuals.

Survey Insights

A high percentage of respondents, specifically 83.5%, confirmed their worries about the safety of local water pipelines, reflecting a significant public sentiment regarding the potential dangers posed by aging systems amidst rising natural disasters, such as increased rainfall and seismic activities.

Reasons for Water Supply Failures

The survey highlights various concerns regarding the causes of water pipe failures during disasters. These include:

- Damage to core facilities in the water supply system, including water treatment plants and drainage basins.
- Pipeline destruction due to landslides and ground collapse.
- Damage caused by nearby road erosion and liquefaction.

The long recovery periods after disasters, particularly in areas where heavy machinery cannot access, exacerbate these issues, making efficient and timely recovery essential.

Do Yamamoto’s Contributions

Given the recent survey results, Do Yamamoto is cooperating with FPEC Co., Ltd., a Yokohama-based firm specializing in disaster prevention engineering and consulting, to develop innovative recovery strategies utilizing industrial hoses.

New Recovery Methods: Hose Utilization

The traditional recovery process involves hefty excavation to access damaged sections of pipelines, a method that is both time-consuming and costly. When pipes break, access is hampered, halting water supply and leading to significant disruption for residents.

In contrast, the new strategy employs large diameter hoses to bypass damaged areas. Stakeholders can temporarily connect fire hydrants using hoses, enabling continued water flow around affected regions during emergencies. This method is not only faster but significantly less expensive than traditional repairs.

Proven Effectiveness

During a major earthquake in California, large-diameter hoses facilitated swift water supply recovery within three hours. These hoses, evaluated for their durability comparable to that of PET plastic bottles, have been effectively used in food processing facilities, further proving their utility in emergency water distribution. By sourcing water from unaffected sections and diverting it using hoses, rapid reconnections to shelters and households can be achieved.

Innovative Water Supply Solutions for Evacuation Centers

The new hose approach also extends to providing water to evacuation centers affected by water shortages. This involves supplying water from existing buried fire hydrants directly into storage tanks within buildings, restoring potable water access quickly.

Bridge and Pipeline Bypass Solutions

When water pipeline bridges suffer damage, integrating valves capable of connecting hoses at both ends enables a seamless bypass. This technique preserves the functionality of the water system while repairs are completed.

The Future of High-Pressure Hoses

These high-pressure hoses are designed specifically for transporting potable water and can be manufactured up to 200 meters in length. Their flexible nature facilitates rapid setup and retrieval across long distances, reducing the number of connections required and speeding up overall recovery efforts. The proposed hose solutions include:

- Connections serving as bypasses for damaged sections
- Adaptability to rough terrains conforming to geography
- Support for multiple distribution points to ensure widespread access
- Effective delivery systems that do not rely solely on vehicles

This innovative approach not only mitigates the risks associated with aging infrastructure but also empowers communities to respond more effectively to natural disasters. With a commitment to safety and rapid recovery, Do Yamamoto continues to pave the way for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

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