Leveraging Satellite Data and AI for Sustainable Water Services in Higashine City

Introduction to the Space Water Bureau

In a bold step towards revolutionizing water management, Higashine City's Waterworks Division has signed a contract with Tenchijin Inc., a space venture recognized by JAXA. This collaboration aims to introduce a groundbreaking water DX solution known as the 'Space Water Bureau.' By leveraging satellite data and artificial intelligence, the initiative seeks to address pressing issues in Japan's water infrastructure, particularly the challenges posed by aging pipelines.

Addressing Japan’s Water Infrastructure Challenges

Japan's water supply system faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the deterioration of water mains. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 18,900 kilometers of the country’s pipelines have surpassed their legal lifespan, contributing to frequent large-scale water leaks across various regions. Current methods for inspecting and maintaining these aged pipes are not only costly but also logistically challenging, especially when considering the need for widespread and prompt action (Source: Japan Water Works Association, Annual Water Statistics 2023).

Adding to this complexity are the looming effects of population decline and an aging demographic, which are expected to reduce both the number of staff and revenue from water charges, making the problem even more serious.

Tenchijin Inc. aspires to utilize satellite technology to facilitate solutions to these growing challenges.

Higashine City's Commitment to Water Safety

Higashine City’s motto, ‘Connecting safe and delicious water to the future of Higashine,’ embodies its commitment to a safe and sustainable water supply. The city is strategically focused on four core goals: safety, resilience, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, guiding its operations and infrastructure developments.

Located in Yamagata Prefecture's Murayama Basin, Higashine City is endowed with quality groundwater sourced from rivers originating in the Ou Mountains. The city has integrated this groundwater into its water supply system, providing stable and reliable service to its residents.

Regular inspections guided by a comprehensive water quality testing plan ensure transparency and safety, while initiatives are underway to seismic retrofitting of crucial infrastructure and to systematically replace aging facilities. These efforts aim to maintain functionality even during disasters.

Furthermore, the city is committed to enhancing citizen services under its forward-thinking operational plans.

The Role of the Space Water Bureau

The 'Space Water Bureau' is positioned to significantly enhance Higashine City’s water management by streamlining leak detection processes and facilitating digital transformation (DX) within operations. This innovative approach is pivotal for realizing the vision of ‘Connecting safe and delicious water to the future of Higashine.’

Insights from the Higashine Waterworks Division

To address the increasing risks of leaks due to aging pipes and improve water revenue rates, Higashine City has traditionally executed leak inspections segmented by water supply blocks, utilizing auditory research methods. However, there is a pressing demand for operational efficiency concerning both time and costs.

With the adoption of the 'Space Water Bureau,' the city can analyze leak risks using satellite data and AI, thus enhancing the accuracy of ground surveys and allowing for targeted inspections. A major advantage includes clearly identifying areas requiring seismic reinforcement and revising renewal plans based on real data insights.

Continued Commitment to Sustainable Water Services

Higashine City’s Waterworks Division expresses its dedication to providing safe and sustainable water services through this new initiative. The 'Space Water Bureau' has already exceeded 50 contracts with local governments since its launch in April 2023, indicating its growing impact and acceptance.

Features of the Space Water Bureau

1. Leak Risk Assessment Support

This innovative solution offers high-resolution risk diagnostics at the meter level through satellite data, enabling precise identification of current and near-future leak risks. With the ability to focus on potential leak hotspots, inspection areas can be prioritized effectively, streamlining maintenance operations.

2. Customized Renewal Planning Based on Regional Characteristics

By evaluating the condition of pipelines (from the leak risk assessment) alongside the importance of various facilities (hospitals, schools, emergency shelters, etc.), multiple renewal priority scenarios can be developed. This flexibility allows the city to craft strategies that address either everyday leak risks or critical societal impacts during disasters, ultimately supporting more effective planning and prioritization.

The essence of the 'Space Water Bureau' lies in merging extensive local government data with cutting-edge satellite technology, creating a proactive framework for leak risk management. This initiative not only signifies a paradigm shift in traditional approaches but also positions Japan’s water management ahead of global technological advancements.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Tenchijin Inc.
- Location: 5th Floor, Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Nihonbashi Mitsui Building, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
- CEO: Yasunori Sakuraba
- Business Scope: Land assessment consultancy utilizing satellite data
- Space Water Bureau Special Site: Space Water Bureau Site
- Official Site: Tenchijin Official Site
- X: Tenchijin on X
- LinkedIn: Tenchijin on LinkedIn