Saga City Water Authority's Exciting Challenge with Space Water Bureau Implementation

Transforming Water Management in Saga City

In an impressive move towards enhancing sustainable water utilities, the Saga City Water Authority has unveiled its pioneering initiative: the implementation of the "Space Water Bureau". This project, backed by Tenchijin, a recognized space venture certified by JAXA, leverages advanced satellite data and AI technologies in a bid to revolutionize their water management practices. The launch of this solution comes as part of a broader effort to mark the 110th anniversary of the city’s water service in 2026.

The critical issue faced by Saga is the aging infrastructure; approximately 20% of its pipeline system has exceeded the legally prescribed lifespan of 40 years. A conventional inspection of the plumbing system was estimated to cost around 100 million yen, prompting the Saga City Water Authority to rethink its strategies. They emphatically moved from a reactive maintenance model to a proactive preventive maintenance approach, ultimately choosing to adopt the Space Water Bureau due to its comprehensive focus on leakage risk assessment and future-oriented data application.

Embracing Digital Transformation with Workshops

To support the introduction of the Space Water Bureau, the water authority organized a series of "Water DX Workshops" aimed at blending organizational knowledge with new technological insights. These workshops served as a platform for staff members to interpret satellite data and AI diagnostics while archived experiences were shared among participants. This unique initiative is branded as an effort to preserve the invaluable tacit knowledge and skills accumulated over years by veteran staff members. Feedback from participants indicates that this approach has successfully fostered knowledge sharing and a promising avenue for technical succession.

Some workshop attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear seasoned professionals share their experiences and insights, stating, “It was a valuable experience to learn from the wisdom of our predecessors” and “If we could connect this to knowledge transfer for future improvements, it would be great.” The detailed processes behind Saga City’s initiatives, the reasons for selecting the Space Water Bureau, and objectives over the three-year project timeline—including specific performance indicators—are available on the dedicated project site.

Read the case study here.

Showcasing Innovations at the 2025 Hiroshima Water Exhibition

Tenchijin is also set to participate in the upcoming 2025 Hiroshima Water Exhibition scheduled for October 29 to 31. As one of Japan's largest water-related exhibitions, this event serves as an important platform for discussing municipal water infrastructure maintenance and upgrade strategies. Attendees can visit Tenchijin's booth to learn more about the Space Water Bureau and even engage in personal consultations regarding efficient water service operations under budgetary constraints. Limited resources shouldn’t hamper success; Tenchijin is dedicated to offering practical, actionable solutions to industry challenges. Plus, those who stop by the booth will receive exclusive materials detailing Saga City’s implementation case.

Event Details:

- Location: Hiroshima Gate Park, Hiroshima City, Japan
- Event Dates:

- October 29 (Wed) 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- October 30 (Thu) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- October 31 (Fri) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

- Booth Number: No. 40
- Registration: Learn More and Register

Overview of the Space Water Bureau

The Space Water Bureau employs satellite data to support sustainable water management initiatives. Here's how it operates:

1. Leakage Risk Diagnosis: The system offers precise leak assessments based on satellite data, enabling quick identification of areas with high leak risks. By narrowing down locations needing inspection, it streamlines water management processes, prioritizing the most critical areas.

2. Pipeline Renewal Planning: Utilizing diagnostic results, the Bureau integrates "healthiness" assessments with the importance of various facilities (homes, hospitals, schools) to formulate multiple renewal priority scenarios. This flexible, scenario-based approach allows effective resource allocation, considering both regular leakage risks and potential impacts during disasters. This blend of criteria ensures transparent and rational decision-making when prioritizing pipeline updates and developing sound operational plans.