Tokyo’s Water Supply at Risk: The Threat of Earthquake Damage

**Tokyo’s Water Infrastructure at Risk: The Looming Threat of Earthquake Damage**
Water, a critical resource often taken for granted, could become a major concern for Tokyo if a significant earthquake were to strike. The capital faces the risk of severe water infrastructure damage that could disrupt supply to millions, potentially creating a crisis of “water refugees.”
**Crisis Unveiled: Aging Infrastructure and Earthquake Preparedness**
The tragic Noto earthquake in early 2024 highlighted the vulnerability of water systems to seismic events, leaving many without access to clean water. Tokyo, with a 70% chance of experiencing a magnitude 7 quake within 30 years, is particularly at risk due to its outdated and insufficiently upgraded water treatment facilities. A shocking 13.2% of Tokyo’s water treatment plants have undergone seismic retrofitting, significantly below the national average.
**Critical Facilities at Risk**
Tokyo relies heavily on four major water treatment plants, processing over 4 million m³ of water daily. However, these facilities are not currently equipped to withstand a major quake. An insider revealed that about 80% of Tokyo’s water supply, sourced from the Tonegawa and Arakawa rivers, could be disrupted if these plants were damaged. Seismic assessments have exposed vulnerabilities, with some components having less than a third of the required seismic resistance.
**The Consequences of Inaction**
Should multiple treatment facilities fail simultaneously, Tokyo could face a dire situation with insufficient water supply, forcing residents to seek refuge elsewhere. The city’s emergency measures, including 213 underground storage tanks, may provide temporary relief but are not a sustainable solution in the event of prolonged service disruption.
**Addressing the Challenge**
The revelation of these risks raises serious concerns about the city’s preparedness for a major earthquake. Immediate action is necessary to upgrade and reinforce Tokyo’s water infrastructure to prevent a catastrophic scenario that could impact millions of lives and the broader economy. The consequences of inaction are too significant to ignore, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and transparent planning and investment in the city’s resilience against natural disasters.