Water is essential for life, and a comfortable life is unsustainable without a sewer system.
The Tokyo Sewerage Museum "Rainbow" features reproductions of sewerage facilities that are not normally accessible, and provides opportunities to learn about and experience the role of sewers and the importance of water.
Sewage is transported to water reclamation centers for treatment through sewer pipes by being relayed via pumping stations.
One exhibit shows how water flows through a house. The floor and water pipes are transparent, revealing how water that flows into toilets, sinks and bathtubs flows out into sewer pipes.
"Each person uses 220 liters of water a day. Flushing a toilet once uses 13 liters, and letting the water run for 30 seconds while brushing your teeth consumes six liters of water," said Atsumi Hasegawa, 26, who works at the museum.
Next comes an exhibit on manholes and temporary toilets for use during emergencies. These toilets can be set up just by opening a manhole and placing one on top. Manholes where these toilets can be used have blue rubber caps on them.
Popular with children are the museum's "work experience" sessions on weekends, national holidays and long holiday periods. These give children the opportunity to remove sponges made to look like "oil balls" of hardened oil, hair and other matter with a power washer and climb into full-sized sewer pipes.
I tried my hand at adjusting the amount of water discharged from a pumping station in a reproduction of a water reclamation center control room. The pump could not be allowed to run empty, nor could it be allowed to overflow, making it more difficult than I expected.
Local downpours were difficult to anticipate, and when a pump was about to overflow a harsh buzzer would sound. The experience showed me what an important job this is.
Microorganisms are used to purify water. They break down contaminants and adhere to certain substances. Looking through a microscope reveals their small but reliable bodies.
The museum taught me how the water we use unthinkingly is returned to rivers and the sea. It made me consider my own water use.
-- Tokyo Sewerage Museum 'Rainbow'
The museum opened as an interactive facility in fiscal 2013. In addition to the work experience sessions, the "Dokan Vision" exhibit simulates the inside of a sewer system and the "Ball Circus" is a place where kids can play and learn about water circulation.
Address: Fifth floor, Ariake Water Reclamation Center, 2-3-5 Ariake, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Open: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed Mondays and during the year-end and New Year's period. As of Tuesday, the museum plans a temporary closure until March 15 due to the spread of the coronavirus.)
Admission: Free
Inquiries: (03) 5564-2458
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
