News Several Japanese cities constructed dams that were never used

Experts said it is attributable to long-term trends, including Japan's decreasing population and water-conservation practices becoming more widespread. The city of Hiroshima, which boasts a population of about 1.2 million people, was among the locales that built dams but never drew water from them. [...] These 11 water supply operators have paid out annual maintenance and management costs--despite never using the water--to the tune of anywhere from several hundred thousand yen to upwards of 100 million yen, according to the survey. [...] Ministry officials forecast that by 2040, water usage will drop to 30 per cent less than what it was in 2000. That estimate is based on expectations surrounding Japan's shrinking population and water conservation practices.

Click to expand...