Looking for New Futures for the Springs in Japanese City of Mito

Takayuki Kumazawa

Ibaraki University, Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan

Abstract: This study demonstrates a transition in the environment and human behavior surrounding spring water over a 100-year period. First, 38 remaining springs in the city of Mito were investigated by local residents and the local authority, analyzing how waterfront spaces and survey locations were used. According to the results, spring water was used as drinking water, washing water, and firefighting water. Spring water close to farmland was used for agriculture. However, in recent years, water quality has degraded and it can no longer be used as drinking water. Therefore, a park with hydrophilic water was recently constructed. Some springs near shrines were seen as sacred places for water spirits to cleanse themselves. In addition, some spring water was used for environmental education and disaster prevention training. Based on these findings, it is important for us to consider the active use of spring water and waterfronts in order to promote the use springs for multiple purposes.

Key words: human behavior, hydrophilic water, spring water, waterfront