Environment

Japan introduces underground plastic rainwater tank for urban flood control

Designed to temporarily store rainwater underground, the plastic rainwater storage system boasts high durability, a porosity exceeding 95%, and easy installation.

Trieu Duc Huy, Deputy General Director of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), speaks at the workshop in Hanoi on February 10. (Photo: VNA)
Trieu Duc Huy, Deputy General Director of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), speaks at the workshop in Hanoi on February 10. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – A workshop introducing an underground plastic rainwater tank as a solution for urban flood control, groundwater recharge and water reuse took place in Hanoi on February 10.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), Japan’s Chichibu Chemical Co., Ltd, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the event served as a platform for Vietnamese and Japanese experts, researchers, businesses and policymakers to share practical experiences, update the latest technological advancements, and shape policy directions tailored to conditions in Vietnam.

NAWAPI Deputy General Director Trieu Duc Huy said Vietnam is increasingly grappling with severe urban flooding, groundwater depletion, and water scarcity. These challenges have made it imperative to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that optimise water use, recycle rainwater, and leverage advanced technologies to enhance water resource management.

Hideyuki Muofushi from Chichibu Chemical Co., Ltd. presented the plastic rainwater storage system (PRSS) as a novel and versatile solution for urban flood prevention. Designed to temporarily store rainwater underground, the system boasts high durability, a porosity exceeding 95%, and easy installation.

Its lightweight design, with the largest component weighing just 3kg, allows for quick and manual installation without heavy construction equipment. The surface above the tank can be adaptable for various uses, including parking lots, playgrounds and other urban spaces. Available in both permeable and non-permeable variants, the system caters to a wide range of applications.

Delegates also shared valuable insights into practical models and technological advancements, leading to useful policy recommendations to guide Vietnam toward more sustainable water resource management.

Former Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Cities of Vietnam, Associate Professor Vu Thi Vinh, urged local authorities to refine the legal framework and improve coordination with management agencies to facilitate the widespread adoption of successful projects./.

VNA
#underground plastic rainwater tank #flood control #groundwater recharge #Japan #JICA #urban flooding
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