“Care for a sip of Amagasaki?” might sound like an odd greeting. The story of the Amagasaki City Waterworks Bureau begins long ago. The Amagasaki City Waterworks Bureau provides essential services to the city. It manages water supply sewage and even operates the Amagasaki Boat Race venue with Itami City.
Let’s dive into the history of the Amagasaki City Waterworks Bureau. Water supply operations began in 1918. In 1928 the Tsukashimo Aqueduct was completed. This shifted the water source to the Yodo River. Amagasaki started receiving water from the Hanshin Water Supply Corporation in 1942. In 1946 the bureau enhanced the sterilization process by using chlorine for the water supply. Industrial water supply operations began in 1957.
The current Public Enterprise Bureau Waterworks and Sewerage Office was completed in 1963. Payment for water services through bank transfers became available in 1966. In 1968 residents could apply for water usage or termination via phone. Meter reading for individual units in mid to high rise apartments started in 1969. Amagasaki achieved a 100% water supply coverage rate in 1970.
In 1973 the bureau completed the ozone injection equipment at Kanzaki Purification Plant. This was the first of its kind nationwide. Automated water quality monitoring devices were installed in 1975. In 1985 the Kanzaki Purification Plant ozone injection equipment was selected as one of the Modern Waterworks Top 100. Automatic water bill payments became available at post offices.
Direct water supply to three story buildings began in 1992. Payments for water services could be made at convenience stores. Free water leak inspections for households with residents 65 years or older began in 1994. The Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995 caused significant damage to water facilities. It took about one month to restore water services to the entire city.
In 1996 the Water News Amagasaki a public relations magazine was first published. Water bill payments became possible at post office counters in 1997. In 1998 the Kanzaki Purification Plant added advanced water purification treatment facilities. This combined ozone and activated carbon treatment.
In July 2000 advanced purified water supply began. Water supply from Hyogo Prefecture Waterworks started in 2001. Residents could view water bill history and apply for water usage online. In 2003 a telephone reception center was established. Discount system for water bill payments via account transfer started in 2005.
Credit card payments for water services became available in 2009. In April 2010 the Waterworks and Industrial Waterworks Vision Amagasaki was established. In 2011 the bureau started the Hanshin Intercity Waterworks Project public relations initiative KAHNA. They also developed a mapping system and dispatched emergency water supply teams after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
In 2012 the official website was renewed. Information dissemination via Twitter Facebook and Mixi began. The symbol mark and logo type were established. The catchphrase If you notice it it’s definitely tasty! Ni no Mizu was created. In 2018 the Amagasaki City Waterworks Bureau merged with other departments to form the Amagasaki City Public Enterprise Bureau. The old Waterworks Bureau became the Waterworks Department.
Today the Amagasaki City Waterworks Bureau continues to innovate. It strives to provide safe and reliable water services to the citizens of Amagasaki. It offers various publications and events to educate the public about water conservation and treatment. Now you know that Amagasaki’s water has a long history.