Transforming Japanese Waterworks: Comprehensive Asset Management and the Path to Resilience in Kurume City

Abstract Submission: Japanese waterworks organizations have managed to maintain a non-revenue water (NRW) rate of approximately 10%. However, they now face a significant challenge due to a triple threat: declining budgets due to lower revenue associated with rapid population decline, knowledge loss as experienced staff retire, and escalating costs for the renewal of aging assets. These factors collectively put at risk the ability to maintain the high level of service historically provided. Furthermore, traditional operations have been heavily reliant on manual processes, with some municipalities still using paper-based maintenance and management methods. To address these critical issues, Toa Grout, in partnership with Optimatics and other companies, is advancing a comprehensive asset management optimization approach, currently being demonstrated in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This session will discuss the challenges faced by Japanese waterworks organizations and explore the ongoing initiatives in Kurume City to provide a sustainable and resilient solution.

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