Water quality reports from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment

Japan to Mandate PFAS Inspections After 44 Locations Exceed Limits, Ashiya Base at 30 Times Target Value

Dec 24, 2024, 02:37 AM

The Japanese Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have released findings from a nationwide survey on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 'dedicated water supplies' used in facilities such as dormitories, company housing, and sanatoriums. Out of 1,929 locations surveyed from April 2020 to September 2024, 42 locations were found to have PFAS levels exceeding the national provisional target value of 50 nanograms per liter. An additional two locations reported exceedances after the survey period, bringing the total to 44. The highest PFAS concentration was detected at the Air Self-Defense Force's Ashiya Base in Fukuoka Prefecture, at 1,500 nanograms per liter, which is 30 times the target value. Other notable exceedances were at the Fuchu Prison in Tokyo with 204 nanograms per liter and the Ground Self-Defense Force's Koganei Garrison in Tokyo with 200 nanograms per liter. The exceedances were reported across 10 prefectures, with Tokyo having the highest number at 22 locations. In response, the Ministry of the Environment has decided to mandate regular water quality inspections for PFAS, specifically PFOS and PFOA, under the Water Supply Act, aiming to enforce these measures starting April 2026. Out of the 44 locations, 26 have already switched to municipal water supplies, 14 have implemented emergency measures such as distributing bottled water, and 4 are planning to introduce water purification facilities in the future.