Research and development on water supply technologies in JWRC

The Japan Water Research Center has adopted a research model for large water supply technology projects whereby participants from industry, water utilities, and academia work in close cooperation. Using this trilateral research framework, the JWRC has been pursuing the development of water supply technology from various angles for the last 20 years. Major topics have been new water purification technologies as exemplified by membrane filtration and pipeline technology directed at leakage prevention, earthquake proofing, and countermeasures against water quality deterioration in pipes. The current paper gives an overview of the research framework and major R & D projects implemented by the JWRC. Ongoing projects and future outlook are also mentioned.