How to apply for water in Japan? In a previous article, we discussed how to apply for electricity and gas. If you’re interested in those topics, please refer to the respective article. The process for applying for water is similar to that of electricity and gas, requiring separate arrangements for the old and new residences.
This article is based on the information provided by Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Table of Contents
Step1: Stop Water Usage at the Current Residence
First, contact your local waterworks office to initiate the process of terminating water usage. While the procedures may vary depending on the city or town, generally, this can be done via phone or online. Prior to contacting them, ensure you have the following information prepared:
What you need for a phone call or online registration
- Customer ID (It would show on meter reading slips or receipts for water usage fees)
- Your current address.
- The desired date for water valve closure
Step2: Contact the waterworks office responsible for your new address
Afterwards, it’s advisable to contact the waterworks office responsible for your new address approximately one week before moving in. In most cases, water usage may be available without the need to contact the waterworks office. However, to avoid unnecessary complications, it’s better to take care of this as soon as your moving plans are finalized. There are various methods to initiate the water usage procedures, including by phone, internet, app, or mail. The following information will be required:
What you need for a phone call or online registration
- Name (account holder)
- Contact details (address, phone number, email address)
- Location for water usage commencement (new address)
- Date and time for water usage commencement
Step3: Close the Main Water Valve on the Move-Out Date
In usual circumstances, upon moving out, it’s customary to ensure that all faucets within the residence are securely closed and then proceed to close the main water valve. However, for example, in rental properties, you might not be asked to close the main water valve. Whether to close it depends on the policies of your local water works and the residence, so it’s advisable to confirm this in advance and act accordingly.
Additionally, don’t forget to settle the water utility bill for the month of moving out. You can settle it locally or through any optional payment method, but make sure it’s taken care of promptly.
Step4: If necessary, open the main water valve and check all faucets
After moving, confirm if water is flowing. If water is not flowing, ensure all faucets are closed, then open the main water valve. If water still does not flow, please contact the local water works in your area.
Points to note
- No attendance required
Unlike with gas procedures, it’s generally not necessary to have a staff member present for waterworks procedures. However, there are instances, such as in some automatic lock apartments, where attendance might be required. Therefore, it’s advisable to confirm this during Step 2 in advance.
- If you are moving within the same city, town, or ward
If you are moving within the same city, town, or ward, you can arrange both the water valve closure and reopening simultaneously. For example, if you are moving from Roppongi to Shibuya within Tokyo, since the waterworks office jurisdiction remains the same, you can handle both the closure and reopening procedures with just one contact.
