Hello, everyone.

This is Enta.

The other day, I visited Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture for the first time in a while.

I went to an event—sort of like a unveiling ceremony—for a system that supplies water during disasters, as part of a volunteer program I’ve been involved with for the past 10 years.

Although this event has been held dozens of times in the past, this time we were joined by a wide range of guests, including members of the National Diet, the mayor of Iwata, city council members, ward chiefs, prefectural disaster prevention officials, and members of the local volunteer fire department.

A total of just under 40 people participated.

 

To begin with, what exactly is this system?

In Japan,Every region has at least one portable fire pump.

"It would be a waste to use it just for fires!" That's why this initiative was launched to make use of it during disasters as well.

The water supply comes from 10 wells, which are all consolidated into a single source and pumped up using a portable fire pump.

Naturally, even a Class C portable fire pump with a capacity of 500 liters per minute can discharge water as shown in the photo.

Then, when you connect it to the temporary water supply, water will come out of the faucet.

You can use it without any problems even if you turn on all 20 faucets at once.

Since it's well water, it's rich in minerals like manganese and has a slight iron-like odor, but it's safe to drink. (If you're concerned, just boil it.)

 

As you'd expect, the visitors were pretty surprised to see all that water gushing out of so many faucets at once lol.

It's amazing to have unlimited access to water during a disaster, isn't it?

If you prepare for this in advance, you won't have to worry about water even if a disaster strikes.

We can’t show you these yet, but we’re currently developing an air conditioning system that can be easily installed during a disaster, as well as a bath that can be easily set up during a disaster.

It's drawing water up with the small pump you can see in the center.

There is PVC inside this small mound of sand.

 

We drill and install wells using our usual method (double-pipe), but there are a few tricks and secrets hidden in there, lol.

If this becomes widespread across the country, it will mean that regions will be more resilient to disasters, and people won't have to worry about water even if a disaster strikes.

 

I've been doing this for 10 years now, so I'm starting to think it's about time things started to pay off, lol.

It's a bit old, but this is a disaster-preparedness well we built on our property. (It was built five years ago.)

Since we haven’t built many wells here, I find myself catching my breath, but—

This is a hybrid system that allows for the simultaneous use of electricity and a portable fire pump.

 

I'm planning to make another one next time, so I'd like to line up a whole bunch of faucets then lol.

Now that this region has elected a member of the National Diet, and with the mayor and others expressing their support, I am looking forward to seeing what actions the local government will take in the future.

Ten years may seem like a long time, but it really goes by in the blink of an eye.

We hope that as this system becomes widespread across the country and increases the chances of saving even a single life, we—as slope stabilization specialists, anchor installers, and construction professionals—can make a contribution.

 

See you later.