Current inspection system for radioactive materials in tap water

Fukushima Prefecture's plan for monitoring inspection of radioactive materials in drinking water

　In addition to conducting monitoring inspections of drinking water within the prefecture to ensure the complete safety of tap water in mid- to long- term future following the nuclear accident, the inspection results are published* to earn the safety and security of the residents concerning their drinking water.

*​Fukushima Prefecture Health and Welfare Department, Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Division's webpage "Monitoring Inspection Results of Tap Water"(Japanese Only)

Operations under subject

• Water supply operations of local municipalities
• Small scale private water supply operations facilities with municipalities' involvement (including drinking water supply facilities and water supply facilities)

Tap water monitoring inspection guidelines

• Subject under Inspection​
  Tap water: Samples are taken from the point that can represent the water quality of the entire water supply area of each water project, such as the purification plant of each water source or the endpoint of the distribution pipes.
• Inspection items and conditions​
  Inspection items: Gamma ray artificial radionuclide including radioactive iodine and radioactive cesium
  Analysis equipment: Germanium semiconductor detector
  Detection limit：Less than 1 Bq/kg
• Inspection frequency​
  The frequency of inspections is determined on the basis of the following schedule and through discussions between municipalities and the Prefecture, taking into account local circumstances.
  Businesses in the Coastal Region and Central Region [once a month]
  Businesses in the Aizu Region [once every three months]

Entities of inspection of radioactive materials in drinking water

　Inspection of radioactive materials in drinking water In Fukushima Prefecture is conducted using Ge (Germanium) semiconductor detectors installed in the following ten facilities:

• Fukushima Institute for Public Health
• Fukushima Prefectural Meat Hygiene Inspection Office
• Surikami Water Purification Plant of Fukushima Water Supply Authority
• Koriyama City Water and Sewerage Bureau
• Shibahara Water Purification Plant, Shirakawa Regional Wide-Area Municipalities Development Association
• Takizawa Water Purification Plant, Aizuwakamatsu City
• Makoshi Water Purification Plant, Aizu Misato Town
• Onodai Water Purification Plant, Soma City
• Oyama Water Purification Plant, Naraha Town
• Iwaki City Water Quality Management Centre

*The current inspection system has been established through the cooperation of local water supply organisations within the prefecture.
*For the inspection of drinking wells and other sources, please contact each municipalities

Current equipment status of Germanium Semiconductor Detector for drinking water measurement