Next year, in 2024, Fukuoka City’s waterworks system will celebrate its 100th anniversary. This is quite the milestone. Imagine the changes this system has witnessed.
The Shimonofu Water Plant is a vital part of this history. On March 1 1923, Fukuoka City began supplying water to around 35000 people. This followed the completion of water supply facilities. The Magaribuchi Dam and Hirao Water Treatment Plant were among them. The Hirao Water Treatment Plant is now the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden.
Tap water was new to citizens then. The City used flyers to advertise its benefits. It would help prevent diseases. Cholera and typhus were major concerns. The city promoted the safety and convenience of tap water.
Fukuoka City’s population grew rapidly. Water resources were scarce. There were no class A rivers within the city limits. Dams were built but the city struggled to keep up with demand. Major droughts hit in 1978 and 1994. The 1978 drought was especially severe. It resulted in 287 days of water rationing. This pushed Fukuoka City to become a water-saving city.
The Shimonofu Water Plant plays a role in this effort. Fukuoka City achieved a leakage rate of 2.0%. This is one of the lowest in the world. A 24-hour control system ensures the effective use of tap water. Citizens became more conscious of water conservation. Each citizen uses about 200 liters of water per day. This is the lowest level for a city of Fukuoka’s size.
In 1983, the city began drawing water from the Chikugo River. This is Kyushu’s largest river. Other efforts secured water sources from outside the city.
In 2005, the Uminonakamichi Nata Seawater Desalination Center was completed. It is also known as Mamizu Pier. It is the largest seawater desalination facility in Japan. It can produce up to 50000 m3 of water per day. This is another way Fukuoka City secures a stable water supply.
The Gokayama Dam was completed in 2021. It was the first dam in Japan designed to combat drought. It boasts the largest water storage capacity in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is expected to contribute to a stable supply of water for years to come.
The Shimonofu Water Plant stands as a testament to Fukuoka’s commitment. It represents a century of innovation and adaptation. It showcases the city’s dedication to providing clean and safe water for its citizens. As we reflect on this history, we appreciate the vital role this plant continues to play in our lives. The Shimonofu Water Plant and the entire waterworks system ensure a sustainable future for Fukuoka City.