Tokyo Relaxes Water Charges During Summer Heatwave to Alleviate Stress
Tokyo to Waive Basic Water Utility Fees for 8 Million Households this Summer
In an effort to combat extreme summer heat and alleviate financial burdens, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to eliminate basic water utility fees for approximately 8 million households. This initiative is set to take effect from June to September, aiming to promote the use of air conditioning and prevent heatstroke cases.
The waiver will cover four months, applying to households with small-diameter water pipes (13mm, 20mm, or 25mm). The Tokyo government has allotted ¥36.8 billion to fund this initiative, with residents using a 20mm pipe—the most common size—expected to save around ¥5,000 over the four-month period.
Governor Yuriko Koike has stressed the importance of this decision in safeguarding the health and well-being of residents amid rising temperatures and inflation. Her concern is rooted in the possibility of people forgoing air conditioning use due to financial constraints, leading to an increased risk of heatstroke. Last summer, Tokyo experienced record-high temperatures, with 7,000 heatstroke hospitalizations and the majority of deaths among elderly individuals.
To implement this policy, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will submit a supplementary budget bill to the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in June. The initiative is unique in Japan, as no other prefecture has yet waived their basic water charges. Neighboring Saitama Prefecture has expressed interest in similar measures, but lacks the necessary resources.
In the broader context, the removal of water utility fees represents a proactive approach to addressing the health risks associated with extreme heatwaves in Tokyo. By offsetting expenses, the government aims to encourage residents to stay hydrated and utilize water for cooling methods, such as showers or sprinklers, thus lowering body temperature and preventing heat-related illnesses. This measure is part of an ongoing effort to mitigate the deadly impacts of summer heatwaves in the metropolitan area.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's decision to waive basic water utility fees in response to the heatwave concerns is not only applicable within Tokyo but also extends to the realm of health-and-wellness, as residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and use water for cooling purposes, thereby lowering the risk of heat-related illnesses. In a move to emulate Tokyo's efforts, neighboring Saitama Prefecture, despite resource constraints, has expressed interest in implementing similar measures, demonstrating that this initiative could potentially influence the wider finance and science sectors as well.
