When you want to start or stop the water supply service, contact the Water Department of the City of Tsukuba. When you plan to move out, inform the Water Department at least three days in advance, so that your water bill can be settled before moving.
When renting an apartment, you will often be charged for the water that comes into your apartment (water rates) and the water that leaves your apartment (sewage rates). The sewage rates are used to fund the cleaning and treatment of sewage pipes and water. Sewage rates are based on water rates. For two months, the basic sewage fee is 2100 yen and extra rates apply for any amount over 20m3. In order to keep your sewage pipes in good working order, be sure not to dispose of anything other than toilet paper in the toilet and do not let food or cooking oil go down the kitchen sink. Also, be sure not to plant anything near drainage facilities as the roots can impede flow.
Please do not let any of the following going down your sink drain: vegetable leftovers, rice, or oils of any kind. Also, please do not use anything other than toilet paper in your toilet. Do not plant anything near sewage pipes as the roots can break the pipes over time.
Residents of Tsukuba are charged sewage fees. This money is used to pay for the cleaning and maintenance of the pipes along with the human resources, electricity, and chemicals that are used at the water treatment plant. In general, the sewage fees are based on your water usage. However, be aware that sewage fees are charged once every other month, so it is important to notify the Sewage Office immediately if you move.
From September 2005, there will be a combined fee for water and sewerage services (until now they have been paid separately). If you have your account set up to deduct the fee automatically from your bank account, you will now pay the combined fee on the 6th day of every month. (If there is not enough money in your account on the 6th, it will be taken out on the 26th.) When the 6th falls on a weekend or holiday, the funds will be withdrawn on the following workday. This new system will be in place for payment of your September-October 2005 bill. All bills from before that time will follow the old system. If you opt not to use the automatic deduction system, you can also pay your bill at the Kasuga Branch Office or at a large number of local banks and convenience stores. Meter readings will also be consolidated. If you have questions about either your water or your sewerage, contact the Water Department.
Revised sewage and water utility rates went into effect in August 2006. The City's sewage utility was originally designed to operate as a self-supporting authority maintaining its own operating budget by collecting fees based on usage. The agency was making up for the discrepancy in its operating funds through funding from the City's General Fund. Projections showed that a budget increase would have been required if sewage rates were kept at current levels (rates which had not been revised in the past 25 years).
The old water usage rate schedules were based on a progressive price-rate system where heavy water users paid higher rates. The 5-bracket system has been simplified to a 3-bracket pricing system to move towards a flat-rate system. This change reflects a national trend towards regressive taxing in order to apply utility rates equally to all users.
Municipal sewage billing periods are based on even- and odd-month billing periods. Depending on your area, your bills will reflect the new rates in either October (for September and October usage) or November (for October and November usage).
Water meters are read every other month and the amount of water you used is printed on an information slip.
Contact the Water Department if you need to have your water tested.
Topics: Utilities
Relevant for: Newcomers, Residents
Please note: While all efforts have been made to offer accurate and up-to-date information on this site, the information is presented as a guideline and is subject to change without notification. Phone numbers, addresses, and/or policies may have changed since this page was created. Please contact the appropriate section of the City Hall for confirmation of information and city policies.