Providing safe and secure access to water resources around the world

People in Japan take it for granted that whenever they turn on a faucet, drinking water comes out. But the situation is quite different in other parts of the world.

Most of the Earth's water is seawater. Fresh water represents only 2.5% of the planet's water resources. What is available for human use accounts for just 0.01%. Water resources, moreover, are unequally distributed around the world, and cannot be accessed without building the necessary infrastructure. What this means is that there are many regions around the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, that suffer from water shortages.

Water issues are expected to become more serious in the future. While ongoing population growth, urbanization and industrialization continue to push up global water demand, infrastructure for the safe and hygienic supply of water is not being built at a matching pace. Given this situation, initiatives aimed at solving this problem began to attract worldwide attention as we entered into the 21st century. This is in part a response to the growing currency of the idea that industrialized countries have a duty to help developing countries achieve safe and hygienic living environments.

Sumitomo Corporation believes that water services comprising both water supply and sewerage are an important pillar of social infrastructure. Based on this idea, We conducts a wide range of relevant projects in many parts of the world. In markets with economic growth potential, where water demand is growing sharply, Sumitomo Corporation has been building experience and expertise in water supply, wastewater treatment and seawater desalination projects ranging in form from minkatsu(*1)-type public-private sector initiatives such as BOOT/BOO(*2) to fully privatized projects. By utilizing Japanese technology for the provision of safe and secure water, and by addressing needs for social cost reduction through private-sector financing, Sumitomo Corporation continues to push its limits toward the goal of more global and multifaceted water services so as to help solve water issues worldwide.

In Japan, water services are provided primarily by local governments. The services count among the world's best in terms of the know-how and technology involved in the operation, management and maintenance of water supply facilities, sewerage facilities and networks of distribution and sewage pipes, as well as in the low leakage rates and the reuse of treated wastewater. Sumitomo Corporation aspires to be a reliable provider of safe and hygienic water infrastructure contributing to the growth of countries and regions utilizing the know-how available at the Japanese local government level along with private-sector technological excellence through our comprehensive capability.

Beyond Japan, water services are anticipated to move toward greater privatization. We are confident that Sumitomo Corporation can contribute to the building of water infrastructure in different countries by mobilizing all available capabilities in support of each country's water supply and sewerage plans. We are looking forward to delivering safe and secure supplies of water and sewerage services worldwide, thereby playing a vital role in the realization of sustainable and recyclable water infrastructure.