Kanto Gakuin University and Yokohama Water Survey: 90% of Water Utilities in Kanagawa Implement Planned Infrastructure Renewal
November 19, 2025 – Administration & Organizations
Prof. Minoru Makise of Kanto Gakuin University’s Faculty of Law and Yokohama Water conducted a survey of water utilities in Kanagawa Prefecture to assess the current status and challenges. Results show that approximately 90% of utilities have “planned responses” to aging water infrastructure such as pipelines and treatment plants.
The main challenges identified were securing funding, followed by staff shortages and insufficient skilled labor. While long-term infrastructure renewal plans are in place for nearly all utilities, the outlook for financial and human resources remains uncertain, highlighting concerns over the sustainability of water services.
Surveyed entities included 19 utilities in Kanagawa, excluding the wide-area water supply consortium (Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Yokosuka) and Sagamihara City. The survey, conducted from September 1–19, had a 100% response rate.
Key findings:
-
89.5% of utilities have a long-term renewal plan.
-
100% cited securing funding as a major challenge. Staff shortages were reported by 84.2%, and lack of contractor availability by 47.4%. Skills gaps were also noted.
-
78.9% of utilities operate directly (publicly managed), while 21.1% outsource partially. None used concession-type models.
-
Outsourcing is mainly valued for addressing manpower shortages (78.9%) and leveraging private-sector expertise.
-
Recruitment challenges are severe: 78.9% reported difficulty attracting staff, 68.4% cited insufficient personnel, and 42.1% noted difficulties in passing on technical skills.
Prof. Makise suggested a “comeback system” allowing water utility staff to move between public and private sectors to address workforce challenges.
