MITO, Feb 04 (News On Japan) –
A dry climate advisory has been in impact in central Tokyo for 14 consecutive days, and as of February 2nd, no important rainfall had fallen for a full month since January 2nd.
Residents on the streets described the influence of the dryness on each day life, saying, “My child’s hands are getting cracked and painful,” “My hands are so dry I can’t even open plastic packaging,” and “My baby’s cheeks turn red, so we keep applying moisturizer.”
The exceptionally low rainfall, described as a once-in-30-years occasion, is now affecting faucet water high quality as nicely.
The reporting workforce visited a house in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, the place residents poured a glass of faucet water they normally drink. At first look, it appeared regular, however the metropolis has been flooded with complaints about faucet water.
Since the beginning of 2026, round 40 inquiries have been acquired by town, with residents reporting that “the tap water has smelled strange since the New Year” and that it has a “musty or earthy, almost inky odor.”
The trigger is the extended absence of rain, which has now stretched for greater than a month. At the Naka River, the water supply for Mito, water ranges have fallen so low that the riverbed is uncovered in locations.
Mito recorded a complete of 0.0 millimeters of rainfall in January, marking an irregular state of affairs not seen in 84 years, with no substantial rain falling for the reason that begin of 2026.
Footage from river cameras put in alongside the Naka River exhibits a transparent discount in water circulation, with the river narrowing considerably.
According to data posted on town’s web site, when river water ranges drop, a sort of phytoplankton can kind on the riverbed and launch substances that trigger musty odors. While town says the faucet water stays secure to drink, residents have voiced concern, saying, “It’s worrying because we use it for bathing and washing dishes,” and “Even when I make barley tea, the smell remains. It smells moldy and I don’t want to drink it.”
The uncommon adjustments in water high quality brought on by the shortage of rain will not be restricted to Mito. In Hitachinaka, which additionally attracts water from the Naka River, related musty odors in faucet water have been reported.
The reporting workforce visited the Kamitsubo Water Treatment Plant in Hitachinaka, the place officers mentioned they’re taking measures to take away the odor. To eradicate the compounds chargeable for the musty scent, the quantity of activated carbon being added has been elevated, strengthening the purification course of.
When the present river water was gently warmed and smelled, a robust musty odor linked to drought situations was noticeable. After activated carbon therapy, a employees member who drank the water mentioned it tasted like “the familiar tap water we’re used to.”
The document low rainfall, described as a once-in-30-years occasion, is affecting vast areas of the nation, with drought situations worsening throughout a lot of the Pacific facet of Japan from Kanto to Kyushu, the place little to no significant rain has fallen for the reason that begin of the 12 months.
In Shizuoka City, which additionally recorded 0.0 millimeters of rainfall in January, sections of the Abe River have dried up fully, creating gaps the place the circulation has stopped. At the Aono Daishi Dam, which provides water to Minamiizu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, the dam flooring is faintly seen, with surrounding rock surfaces totally uncovered and a few areas dried and cracked.
Although a small quantity of water stays, the reservoir’s efficient storage for faucet water and agricultural use has fallen to 0 %. However, as a result of there’s a river downstream of the dam, officers say water consumption restrictions will not be instantly essential.
In Kochi Prefecture, water ranges on the Owataridam in Niyodogawa Town have additionally dropped considerably.
Japan continues to expertise excessive climate, with record-breaking snowfall alongside the Sea of Japan coast, whereas forecasts recommend snow flurries could fall in central Tokyo on the night time of February 2nd, although not sufficient to ease the water scarcity.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, little substantial rainfall is predicted for concerning the subsequent month, elevating issues that the influence on each day life will proceed.
Source: FNN