Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and experiences temperate, reasonably mild, and sunny winters. The city is also characterized by rainy and humid winters. Just like the whole of Japan, Tokyo is profoundly affected by the circulation of monsoons. During the winter season in the region, the northwest currents prevail, while during the summer season, the humid and hot currents prevail (Arai, 2019). The city and the region experience four distinct seasons; spring, summer, winter, and autumn. The spring in Tokyo, shows rainfall in the evening hours, with low temperatures at night and in the early mornings. Japan’s summer runs between June and August, with extremely high temperatures and oppressive humidity. The largest proportion of Tokyo’s rainfall is recorded during the summer season. Autumn is experienced between September and November, with moderate temperatures being recorded in the city. However, the Month of September experiences typhoons, which significantly affect the city’s accessibility to freshwater. The winter season is extremely cold, with snow covering most parts of the city. These four climatic seasons have huge impacts on Tokyo’s accessibility to freshwater. For instance, the winter season sees a reduction in water levels, while the autumn season sees flooding in the city’s critical water sources. Tokyo draws its water from three principal rivers; Arakawa, Tonegawa, and Tamagawa Rivers (Arai, 2019). Water in the city is supplied by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks. Commonly known as the Tokyo Waterworks, the Bureau employs various technologies to ensure safe and clean water for humans across the city. After drawing water from the three principal rivers, the water is then pumped into Yodobashi Purification Plant. The waterways have existed in the city since 1898 (Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 2020). Another crucial purification center used by the Bureau is the Misono plant. Advanced water treatment techniques are applied by the city, to achieve soft water, with a mild taste. The treatment process involves using a strong oxidizing ozone and decomposition effect, which is activated by carbon. Finally, the supply of water is done by considerable and favorable water conditions, which conform to the national water standards. Numerous factors are projected to affect the availability of clean water in Tokyo. The most crucial factor is climate change, with the city experiencing longer dry spells every year. Currently, Tokyo enjoys massive rainfall, which has been used to harvest water for human consumption. The city’s rains are presently concentrated within the months of typhoons and monsoons. A drop in rain levels in either of the two periods leads to a water crisis in the city—the past century has experienced a massive climate change, with the city experiencing longer dry seasons. Hence with the changing climatic conditions, the city may start experiencing a drop in water, affecting the distribution of water in the city (Kusaka et al. 2014). The city has also been hit by tropical cyclones, which may affect its water distribution capacity. Tokyo is one of the most populated cities globally, with the highest population growth rate in Japan. The increasing population could affect the water distribution in the city, and the city may soon start struggling to avail clean water to all its residents. Most of the city’s water infrastructure was constructed during the inauguration of the water Bureau in 1898. The infrastructure is put under constant repair, but with time, it may start showing signs of failure.
Numerous rivers and canals flow beneath the city of Tokyo. The key Rivers in the city flow from Mount Kobushi in Saitama City (The World Bank, 2020). The city’s availability of water does not show a significant correlation with the neighboring regions. With most water originating from the city’s suburbs, Tokyo is not affected by water activities in other regions. A decrease in rainfall within the Saitama region could lead to a decrease in water availability in Tokyo. However, earthquakes or droughts in the region can adversely affect the city’s accessibility to clean water. With high dependence on river water from the Saitama region, this implies that when the region is affected by droughts, the city will experience a reduction in water accessibility. The city currently gets 80% of its water from Arakawa and Tonegawa Rivers, with the remaining water being drawn from the Tamagawa River (Takemi et al. 2016). With the increasing population, climatic changes, and aging infrastructure, the city may experience massive hardships in the water sector. To solve the impending risks of water shortages, the city must shift its efforts to water harvesting. The city must shift to adapt to the following water sources. River water- Being the largest water source in the city, Tokyo must reduce its over-reliance on river water. The recommended water percentage from rivers should be 40%. Groundwater extraction- 20% of the water in Tokyo should rely on both springs and drilling boreholes, which would help in cases of calamities like earthquakes. Re-use and conservation- Most water in the city goes to waste, and consequently, to reduce the water, the city must adopt systems to reuse the water. 10% of the city’s water should be derived from reusing channels. Harvesting of rainwater- the city experiences massive rainfalls in two seasons across the year. Harvesting water through tanks, and construction of dams in the suburbs, will help in reducing water shortages. 20% of the city’s water should be derived from harvesting. Japan experiences random cases of natural calamities like earthquakes and tornadoes. Consequently, these calamities may strain the existing water sources. However, despite facing these challenges, the city will have water stability, which will be sustainable and safe for human consumption. The water generated from the listed sources will also be cost-effective as compared to the existing water sources. However, using harvesting water may face psychological resistance from the city residents. For instance, citizens may feel that water is not safe for human consumption. Additionally, the city inhabitants may feel that the numerous industries in the city pollute rainwater.
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References
Arai, T. (2019). Urban Hydrology in Tokyo. Department of Geography, Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/grj1984b/63/1/63_1_88/_pdf/-char/en
Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government, (2020). Water Supply in Tokyo. https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/business/supply/
Kusaka, H. et al. (2014). Mechanism of Presipitation increase with Urbanization in Tokyo as revealed by Ensemble Climate Simulations. https://journals.ametsoc.org/jamc/article/53/4/824/13917/Mechanism-of-Precipitation- Increase-with
Takemi, T. et al. (2016). Assessing the Impacts of Global Warming on Meteorological Hazards and Risks in Japan: Philosophy and Achievements of the SOUSEI Program. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/hrl/10/4/10_119/_pdf/-char/en
The World Bank. (2020). Modernization of Hydrological Services in Japan: and Lessons for Developing Countries.
