Water Tech Solution Brings Warmth and Hygiene to Noto Peninsula Evacuees

As reported earlier by SoftBank News, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) has been conducting various initiatives to restore communications on the Noto Peninsula following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck on January 1, 2024. Further to its communication restoration efforts, SoftBank is also deploying novel solutions to help assist those affected by the disaster.

One such initiative is the utilization of WOTA CORP.’s water reuse systems to improve sanitary conditions. SoftBank has a capital and business relationship with WOTA, a Tokyo-based startup that develops water reuse systems to alleviate water shortages. WOTA’s "WOTA BOX" is a compact water reuse system that enables water use even when there is no regular water supply available, and “WOSH” is a hand washing stand that filters and reuses the water it has previously used. Their usefulness during emergencies has been well tested.

In collaboration with WOTA and its partners, SoftBank is enabling hand washing and showering by assisting with the installation and operation of WOSH and WOTA BOX units at evacuation centers in Nanao City, Shika Town and other municipalities of Ishikawa Prefecture, where water supply has been seriously disrupted.

Temporary WOTA shower installations at a community center in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Utilizing WOTA's proprietary AI and IoT technology for water treatment and control, WOTA BOX recycles about 98% of wastewater, supplying water that meets Japan’s public bath standards. It can provide approximately 100 warm showers with just 100 liters of water.

As long as there is a power source, the system can be installed quickly, and it does not require any plumbing work. With its sensors and algorithms to monitor and manage water quality, WOTA BOX can even reuse water with soap and shampoo, making it highly suitable for emergency situations. As of February 1, 2024, 15 WOTA BOX shower units were installed in Nanao City and Shika Town.

See how they have been put to use in this video (in Japanese).