Article 6(1)The person that is planning to manage water supply services must be granted authorization of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)Water supply services shall be managed by municipality, in principle. A person other than a municipality may manage water supply services only if the consent of the relevant municipality including areas in which water is to be supplied has been obtained.

Article 7(1)When applying for an authorization for operation of water supply services, the applicant shall submit an application form accompanied by a business plan, construction specifications, and other documents (including drawings) specified by Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to the Minister.

(2)In the application form set forth in the preceding paragraph, the following items must be stated.

(3)If changes have occurred to the information included in the application forms set forth in the preceding paragraph, the water supplier shall promptly notify of that change to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(4)The business plan mentioned in paragraph (1) shall include the following information.

(5)The construction specifications mentioned in paragraph (1) shall include the following information.

Article 8(1)Authorization for the operation of water supply services shall not be granted unless the applicant conforms to all of the requirements in the following items.

(2)Detailed technical requirements for the application of standards provided for in each item of the preceding paragraph shall be determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 9(1)In the case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism grants authorization for the operation of water supply services to a person other than a local government, the Minister may add requirement for a fixed timeframe or conditions to the authorization.

(2)The requirement for a fixed timeframe or conditions to the authorization provided in the preceding paragraph shall be limited to the ones within the minimum necessity for enhancement of public interest or to secure enforcement of the water supply services, and shall not be the ones to impose unreasonable duties on any applicable water supplier.

Article 10(1)In case that a water supplier intends to expand its service areas, to increase population served or volume of water supplied, or to change the types of water sources, water intake points, or water treatment processes (excluding cases shown in the following items), such water supplier shall obtain authorization by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In such case, if any areas of a different municipality are to be included in the service areas due to expansion of the service areas, such authorization must not be granted unless the consent of the said municipality is obtained.

(2)The provisions of Articles 7 through 9 shall apply mutatis mutandis to authorization of the preceding paragraph.

(3)In case that a water supplier makes any modification that is applicable to any item of paragraph (1), such water supplier shall notify of the change in advance to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in accordance with provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance.

Article 11(1)Once water supply has commenced, a water supplier shall not suspend or discontinue any or all corresponding water supply services thereof unless such water supplier obtains permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism based on the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; provided, however, that the same shall not apply to cases in which all of such water supply services shall be discontinued due to transfer of all such water supply services to a different water supplier performing water supply services.

(2)In case that a water supplier other than a local government (limited to cases in which the population served falls beyond the standards set forth in Cabinet Order) intends to apply for permission set forth in the preceding paragraph, such water supplier shall in advance discuss the matter with the relevant municipality whose area is involved in the service areas of the corresponding water supply services.

(3)In the case of the provision of paragraph (1), the said water supplier shall notify the case to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to such effect in advance.

Article 12(1)In case that a water supplier engages in construction work for water supply facilities (and in case that such water supplier is a local government, it is limited to a construction work for water supply facilities set forth in the relevant municipal ordinances) on its own or assigns another person to do the same, such water supplier shall designate its official or consign a third party to perform technical supervision for the execution of such work.

(2)Persons that perform the work set forth in the preceding paragraph shall have the qualifications specified by Cabinet Order (and when the said water supplier is a local government, shall have qualifications specified by the relevant ordinances of that local government, by considering qualifications specified by Cabinet Order).

Article 13(1)In case that a water supplier has newly established, increased, or altered water supply facilities or distribution reservoirs other than water distribution facilities, if the said water supplier intends to commence water supply through use of such newly established, increased, or altered facilities, the water supplier shall notify the intention in advance to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and shall conduct water quality testing in accordance with Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment as well as inspection of facilities in accordance with Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)In case that a water supplier has conducted water quality testing and inspection of facilities under provisions of the preceding paragraph, such water supplier shall create records thereof and preserve such records for five (5) years counting from the dates of such inspections.

Article 14(1)A water supplier shall establish terms of service regarding rates, bearing for expenses for plumbing works for both water supplier and customers, and other service conditions.

(2)The terms of service provided in the preceding paragraph shall conform to the requirements set forth in the following items.

(3)Detailed technical requirements for the application of standards provided in any items of the preceding paragraph shall be set forth in Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(4)A water supplier shall undertake measures to disseminate relevant terms of service to the general public by the dates such regulations enter into effect.

(5)In case that a water supplier is a local public government, among matters regulated in the relevant terms of service, if rates have been changed, such water supplier shall notify the change to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in accordance with the provisions in Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(6)In case that a water supplier is a person other than a local government, the water supplier shall obtain authorization of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism if the water supplier intends to change the service conditions set forth in the relevant terms of service.

(7)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recognizes that an application for authorization stipulated in the preceding paragraph conforms to the requirements set forth in each item of paragraph (2), the Minister shall grant authorization for it.

Article 15(1)When a water supplier has received an application for water service contract from a consumer living within a service area established in its business plan, such water supplier shall not refuse the application unless such water supplier has justifiable reasons for refusing its acceptance.

(2)A water supplier shall supply water to persons receiving water via a corresponding water supply system at all times; provided, however, that in case the water supplier receives water supply orders based on the provision of Article 40, paragraph (1) or under unavoidable circumstances based on other legitimate grounds such as natural disasters and others, such water supplier may suspend water supply for some or all service areas during the period in which the aforementioned case is being affected. In such case, except when unavoidable circumstances exist, such water supplier shall undertake measures to announce the areas and periods in which water service is to be suspended.

(3)A water supplier may suspend water supply, notwithstanding the provisions in the preceding paragraph, when a receiver of water via a corresponding water supply system has not paid the due charge, when the same has rejected inspection for plumbing system without a legitimate ground, and when that water supplier finds other legitimate grounds, in accordance with the provisions regulated under relevant terms of service,, and as long as the period in which the relevant reason continues to be effective, to that receiver of water.

Article 16In case that structures and materials of plumbing system for a receiver of water from a corresponding water supply system do not conform to standards set by Cabinet Order, a water supplier may refuse an application for water service contract from such applicant, or may suspend water supply to such applicant until the plumbing system conforms to the standards, in accordance with the provisions of relevant terms of service.

Article 16-2(1)To ensure conformity of structures and materials in plumbing system for a receiver of water from a corresponding water supply system to the standards set by Cabinet Order in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article, a water supplier may designate a person recognized to be capable of an appropriate implementation of plumbing works in service areas for such water supplier.

(2)When a water supplier has designated the person in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the said water supplier may, based on the provisions of relevant terms of service, set in its service conditions that the plumbing system for a receiver of water from the corresponding water supply system should be the works implemented by the said water supplier or by a designated person (hereinafter referred to as "designated plumbing work contractor(s)") may be applicable.

(3)In the case set forth in the preceding paragraph, when the plumbing system for a receiver of water from the corresponding water supply system is not concerned with the plumbing works implemented by the water supplier or by a designated plumbing work contractor, the water supplier may refuse an application for water service contract from such applicant or may suspend water supply to such applicant in accordance with the provisions of relevant terms of service; provided, however, that the same shall not apply to cases in which it was confirmed to be a minor change in plumbing system specified in the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, nor to cases in which the structures and materials of plumbing system conform is confirmed to conform to standards set by Cabinet Order in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article.

Article 17(1)A water supplier, through limited only from sunrise to sunset, may assign its staff member to enter into a land property or a building of a receiver of water from the corresponding water supply system and to inspect relevant plumbing system; provided, however, that when such staff member enters a building watched by caretakers or used for residence, or closed compounds, the consent by the caretakers, residents, or persons acting on their behalf must be obtained.

(2)A staff member who engages in the inspection of plumbing system in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall carry identification certification therewith and shall present the same at the request of concerned persons.

Article 18(1)A person receiving water supply via water supply services may request that the corresponding water supplier conduct an inspection of the plumbing system and a water quality testing of the supplied water.

(2)Upon receiving the request set forth in the preceding paragraph, a water supplier shall promptly conduct the inspection/testing and notify the requesting person of the results.

Article 19(1)A water supplier shall appoint one technical administrator of water supply system so that the technical administrator to be in charge of technical services concerning management of a water supply system; provided, however, that such water supplier must not be hindered to hold the position of a technical administrator.

(2)A technical administrator of water supply system is engaged in affairs related to the matters itemized as below, and shall supervise other staff members engaged in such services.

(3)A technical administrator of water supply system shall be a person that is qualified (and when the water supplier is a local government, shall have qualifications specified by the relevant ordinances of that local government, by considering qualification specified by Cabinet Order) in accordance with the regulations of Cabinet Order.

Article 20(1)A water supplier shall implement regular and extraordinary water quality testings in accordance with the provisions in Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

(2)When a water supplier has conducted water quality testings in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the water supplier shall record information concerning thereof, and shall maintain the same for five (5) years counting from the date of testing.

(3)A water supplier shall establish testing facilities necessary for the implementation of the water quality testing in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1); provided, however, that the same shall not apply to cases in which implementation of the quality testings is consigned to an organ of local government or a person registered by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as well as the Minister of the Environment, based on the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Article 20-2The registration stated in Article 20, paragraph (3) shall take place at the request of a person planning to implement water quality testings in accordance with the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 20-3None of the following persons may be registered as regulated under Article 20, paragraph (3).

Article 20-4(1)In case that an applicant for registration as regulated under Article 20-2 conforms to all of the following requirements, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall register such person.

(2)Registration shall be performed by entering the following items into a registry of water quality testing body.

Article 20-5(1)Unless registration specified in Article 20, paragraph (3) is renewed for each period set forth in Cabinet Order that does not exceed three (3) years, such registration shall be void upon elapse of such period.

(2)The provisions of the preceding three Articles shall apply mutatis mutandis to renewal for the registration set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Article 20-6(1)A person that has been registered under Article 20, paragraph (3) (hereinafter, "registered water quality testing body") may not refuse an application for entrustment of water quality testing stipulated in the same paragraph except where there exists a legitimate ground for such refusal.

(2)A registered water quality testing body shall carry out water quality testings fairly and in the manner set forth in Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 20-7In case that a registered water quality testing body intends to change its name or appellation, address, area(s) for implementation of water quality testing, or location of office for the same, such institution shall notify any such change to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment by two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled day of change.

Article 20-8(1)Prior to commencement of water quality testing services, a registered water quality testing body shall establish its operational rules for water quality testing (hereinafter referred to as "operational rules for water quality testing") and shall notify the rules to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment. The same shall apply to cases in which a registered water quality testing body intends to change the same.

(2)Operational rules for water quality testing shall include methods, charge, and other matters concerning water quality testings specified by Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 20-9In case that a registered water quality testing body intends to suspend its water quality testing services in whole or in part or abolish such services, such institution shall notify of the intention to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment by two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled day of suspension or abolishment.

Article 20-10(1)Within three (3) months after elapse of each fiscal year, a registered water quality testing body shall prepare an inventory of assets, balance sheet, either profit and loss statement or income and expenditure statement, as well as business report effective during such fiscal year (including electromagnetic records prepared in lieu of preparing the aforementioned documents (meaning records that are prepared in electronic form, magnetic form, or any other form that cannot be recognized by other human perceptions and that are records to be used in computerized data processing; the same applies hereinafter), if any; (hereinafter referred to as "financial statements, etc." in the following paragraph) and shall keep the same for five (5) years at its office.

(2)A water supplier and other interested persons may make the following requests at any time within service hours of a registered water quality testing body; provided, however, that expenses determined by the registered water quality testing body must be paid in case that a request set forth in item (ii) or (iv) is made.

Article 20-11In case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem that any item of Article 20-4, paragraph (1) is not applicable to a registered water quality testing body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order such institution to undertake measures necessary to conform to the aforementioned provisions.

Article 20-12The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order a registered water quality testing body that it should accept a request for entrustment of water quality testing or take any measures for an improvement of methods for water quality testing and other service-related methods when it is deemed that the institution is in violation of the provisions set forth in paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 20-6.

Article 20-13In case that either of the following items is applicable to a registered water quality testing body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may cancel its registration, or may order such institution to suspend water quality testing services in whole or in part, by setting a reasonable period of suspension.

Article 20-14A registered water quality testing body shall prepare and keep books and documents in the ways specified by Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment, by stating the items regarding water quality testings in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 20-15(1)When it is deemed necessary by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment to ensure appropriate implementation of water quality testings, the minsters may request to a registered water quality testing body for reporting any necessary items regarding its service status, or may assign officials of these minister to enter an office or place of business of such registered water quality testing body so that an inspection on its service status, testing facilities, books and documents and other items should be made possible.

(2)An official who conducts an on-site inspection in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall carry an identification document, and shall present the document upon request by a concerned person.

(3)Authority stipulated in paragraph (1) may not be construed as being granted for criminal investigation purposes.

Article 20-16The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall make public notice in the following cases.

Article 21(1)A water supplier shall conduct regular and occasional health checkups for persons who engage in services in water intake stations, water treatment plants, and distribution reservoir for water supply systems, as well as persons living in the locations of such facilities, in accordance with the provisions under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

(2)When a water supplier implements health checkups in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, such water supplier shall prepare records concerning the health checkups and keep the same for one (1) year counting from the dates of the health checkups.

Article 22Regarding administration and operation of water supply facilities, a water supplier shall undertake disinfection or other measures required for hygiene purposes in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 22-2(1)Subject to the standards set forth in Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, a water supplier shall carry out maintenance and repair of water supply facilities so that the same should be kept in a good condition.

(2)The standards set forth in the preceding paragraph shall include standards related to checks that allow water supply facilities to be efficiently repaired.

Article 22-3(1)A water supplier shall prepare and keep an inventory of water supply facilities.

(2)Matters described in the inventory in accordance with the preceding paragraph and other matters necessary for its preparation and keeping shall be determined under Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 22-4(1)From a long-term point of view, in light of general water demand in service areas, a water supplier shall endeavor a planned renewal of water supply facilities.

(2)Subject to the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, a water supplier shall prepare estimated income and expenditure in writing related to its services including expenses required for renewal of water supply facilities and shall endeavor to publicize the same.

Article 23(1)When a water supplier becomes aware that its supplied water may cause harm to human health, the water supplier shall immediately suspend water supply and take measures to notify the persons concerned of the danger resulting from the use of the water.

(2)Any person that has become aware that water supplied by a water supplier may cause harm to human health shall immediately notify the water supplier to that effect.

Article 24(1)A water supplier shall install hydrants for public firefighting in its corresponding water supply system.

(2)A municipality shall pay a suitable amount of compensation to a water supplier that has installed fire hydrants within its administrative areas for expenses required for the installation and management of such fire hydrants, as well as for installation and management of water supply facilities that have increased in extent accompanying the additional use of the water supply systems for firefighting purposes, as determined through consultations with such water supplier.

(3)A water supplier may not collect fee for water used for public firefighting purposes.

Article 24-2A water supplier shall provide consumers information about the water supply services such as the test results of water quality testing and others that are provided in Article 20, paragraph (1), in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-3(1)In accordance with provisions of Cabinet Order, a water supplier may consign all or some technical services concerning management of water supply systems to another water supplier, a wholesale water supplier, or a person to which requirements set forth in Cabinet Order are applicable as a person that is able to appropriately and assuredly implement such services.

(2)When a water supplier has consigned services to another water supplier, a wholesale water supplier, or a person described above in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph, such water supplier shall promptly report on matters specified under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism without delay. The same shall apply to cases in which a consignment agreement has become invalid.

(3)A person that is entrusted with services in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as a "person entrusted with water supply system management") shall assign a single technical administrator of entrusted water supply system management in order to have such administrator be in charge of technical services concerning management of water supply systems.

(4)A technical administrator of entrusted water supply system management shall engage in affairs related to matters described in each item of Article 19, paragraph (2), within the range of business entrusted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1), and shall supervise other staff members engaging in such affairs.

(5)A technical administrator of entrusted water supply system management shall be a person qualified as regulated under Cabinet order.

(6)In the case of technical services related to management of water supply systems consigned in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1), within the scope of such consigned services, a person entrusted with water supply system management shall be deemed to be a water supplier and a technical administrator of entrusted water supply system management shall be deemed to be a technical administrator of water supply system, and the provisions (including Penal Regulations related to the following provisions) of Article 13, paragraphs (1) (limited to the portions related to implementation of water quality testing and inspection of facilities) and (2), Article 17, Article 20 through Article 22-3, Article 23, paragraph (1), Article 25-9, Article 36, paragraph (2), and Article 39 (excluding paragraphs (2) and (3)) shall be applicable. In such case, within the scope of such consigned services, the aforementioned provisions shall not be applicable to a water supplier or a technical administrator of water supply system.

(7)In relation to application of the provisions of Article 25-11, paragraph (1) in cases in which the provisions of Article 25-9 become applicable through the assumption that a person entrusted with water supply system management is a water supplier in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, "water supplier" of item (v) of the said paragraph shall be read as "a person entrusted with water supply system management."

(8)In the case of technical services related to management of water supply systems consigned in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1), within the scope of such consigned services, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (2) shall not be applicable to a technical administrator of water supply system. In case that a technical administrator of entrusted water supply system management engages in all affairs related to matters described in each item of the said paragraph and supervises other staff members engaging in such affairs, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) shall not be applicable to a water supplier.

Article 24-4(1)Subject to the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) of the Act on Promotion of Private Finance Initiative (Act No. 117 of 1999; hereinafter referred to as the "PFI Act"), in case that a water supplier who is a local government intends to establish the right to operate public facilities, etc.(hereinafter referred to as the "right to operate water supply facility") set forth in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the PFI Act relating to project of water supply facility operation etc. (meaning an operation, etc. of water supply facilities in whole or in part (meaning operation, etc. set forth in Article 2, paragraph (6) of the PFI Act) regarding which fee related to use of such water supply facilities (hereinafter referred to as "usage fee") are to be obtained by a person conducting such operation, etc. as its own revenue; the same applies hereinafter), such water supplier shall obtain permission of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance. In such case, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (1), such water supplier shall not require the permission of the said paragraph (limited to the permission related to suspension of water supply services).

(2)It shall be possible to implement a project of water supply facility operation etc. only if a water supplier who is a local government has established the right to operate water supply facility in accordance with the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) of the PFI Act.

(3)In case that a person with the right to operate water supply facility (hereinafter referred to as an "operation right holder of water supply facility") implements a project of water supply facility operation etc., notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1), no authorization for the operation of water supply services shall be necessary.

Article 24-5(1)In order to apply for the permission stipulated in the first sentence of Article 24-4, paragraph (1), an application form accompanied by a project implementation plan for operation of water supply facility and other related project(s), and other documents (including drawings) set forth in Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism must be submitted to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)An application form set forth in the preceding paragraph shall include the following items.

(3)A project implementation plan of water supply facility operation etc. set forth in paragraph (1) shall include the information on the following matters.

Article 24-6(1)Permission set forth in the first sentence of Article 24-4, paragraph (1) must not be given unless the related application has conformed to the conditions of all of the following items.

(2)Detailed technical requirements for the application of standards provided for in each item of the preceding paragraph shall be determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-7(1)An operation right holder of water supply facility shall assign a single technical administrator of the project of water supply facility operation etc. in order to cause such administrator to be in charge of technical services concerning the project of water supply facility operation etc.

(2)A technical administrator of the project of water supply facility operation etc. shall engage in affairs related to matters described in each item of Article 19, paragraph (2) within the scope of services related to the project of water supply facility operation etc. and shall supervise other staff members engaging in such affairs.

(3)A technical administrator of the project of water supply facility operation etc. must be qualified as regulated under Cabinet Order of Article 24-3, paragraph (5).

Article 24-8(1)In relation to application of the provisions of Articles 14, paragraphs (1), (2), and (5), Article 15, paragraphs (2) and (3), Article 23, paragraph (2), Article 24, paragraph (3), and Article 40, paragraphs (1), (5), and (8) in cases in which an operation right holder of water supply facility implements a project of water supply facility operation etc., "rates" of Article 14, paragraph (1) shall be considered to be "fee (including fee related to use of water supply facilities (hereinafter referred to as "usage fee related to an operation right holder of water supply facility" in the following paragraph) that are to be obtained by an operation right holder of water supply facility set forth in Article 24-4, paragraph (3) (hereinafter referred to as an "operation right holder of water supply facility" in Article 14, paragraph (2), Article 15, paragraph (2), and Article 23, paragraph (2)) set forth in Article 24-4, paragraph (3); the same applies to Article 14, paragraph (2), items (i) and (ii) and paragraph (5), Article 15, paragraph (3), and Article 24, paragraph (3))," "the following" of Article 14, paragraph (2) shall be "in relation to usage fee related to an operation right holder of water supply facility, in addition to clear provision to the effect that an operation right holder of water supply facility is entitled to directly claim for its payment to consumers for water supply systems, the following," "have been received" of the provision of Article 15, paragraph (2) shall be "have been received (including cases in which an operation right holder of water supply facility has received such water supply orders)," "by a water supplier" of Article 23, paragraph (2) shall be "by a water supplier(including an operation right holder of water supply facility; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph and Article 24, paragraph (3))," "or a wholesale water supplier" of Article 40, paragraphs (1) and (5) shall be "or a wholesale water supplier or an operation right holder of water supply facility," and "wholesale water supplier" of Article 40, paragraph (8) shall be "a wholesale water supplier or an operation right holder of water supply facility." In such case, an operation right holder of water supply facility shall enjoy benefits from a water service contract (limited to the portions related to the right to claim for payment of usage fee for water supply facilities targeted by the project of water supply facility operation etc.) as a matter of course.

(2)In case that an operation right holder of water supply facility implements the project of water supply facility operation etc., within the scope of services related to the corresponding project of water supply facility operation etc., by assuming an operation right holder of water supply facility is a water supplier and by assuming a technical administrator of the project of water supply facility operation etc. is a technical administrator of water supply system, the provisions (including Penal Regulations related to such provisions) of Article 12, Article 13, paragraphs (1) (limited to the portions related to implementation of water quality testing and inspection of facilities) and (2), Article 17, Article 20 through Article 22-4, Article 23, paragraph (1), Article 25-9, Article 36, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 37, and Article 39 (excluding paragraphs (2) and (3)) shall be applicable. In such case, within the scope of services related to the corresponding project of water supply facility operation etc., in relation to a water supplier and a technical administrator of water supply system, the aforementioned provisions shall not be applicable. The expression "renewal" of Article 22-4, paragraph (1) shall be "renewal (limited to renewal which is operation, etc. as regulated under Article 2, paragraph (6) of the Act on Promotion of Private Finance Initiative (Act No. 117 of 1999); the same applies hereinafter in the following paragraph)."

(3)Regarding application of the provisions of Article 25-11, paragraph (1) in cases in which the provisions of Article 25-9 become applicable with the assumption that an operation right holder of water supply facility is a water supplier in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the expression "water supplier" of Article 25-11, paragraph (1), item (v) shall be "operation right holder of water supply facility."

(4)In case that an operation right holder of water supply facility implements a project of water supply facility operation etc., within the scope of services related to the corresponding project of water supply facility operation etc., the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (2) shall not be applicable to a technical administrator of water supply system. In case that a technical administrator of the project of water supply facility operation etc. engages in all affairs related to the matters described in each item of Article 19, paragraph (2) and supervises other staff members engaging in such affairs, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) shall not be applicable to a water supplier.

Article 24-9In case that an operation right holder of water supply facility has notified a water supplier who is a local government regarding commencement of a corresponding project of water supply facility operation etc. as regulated under Article 21, paragraph (3) of the PFI Act, such water supplier shall notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to such effect without delay.

Article 24-10In case that changes have been made regarding the following matters, an operation right holder of water supply facility shall notify a water supplier who is a local government that has established the right to operate water supply facility and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to such effect without delay.

Article 24-11In case that a water supplier who is a local government intends to grant permission of Article 26, paragraph (2) of the PFI Act related to a project of water supply facility operation etc., such water supplier shall consult on such matter with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance.

Article 24-12In case that an operation right holder of water supply facility has violated the provisions of this Act or orders based on this Act, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may request that a water supplier that is a local government that has established the right to operate water supply facility undertake disposition in accordance with the provisions of Article 29, paragraph (1) of the PFI Act because cases described in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) (limited to the portions related to (g)) of the PFI Act are applicable.

Article 24-13In case that the following items are applicable, the relevant water supplier that is a local government shall notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to such effect without delay.

Article 25(1)Regarding small-scale water supply services, in case that a corresponding water supply system does not require water treatment facilities other than disinfection facilities and allows water supply alone through natural gravity flow of water, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (3) shall not be applicable.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 24, paragraph (1), it shall be acceptable for a water supplier that manages small-scale water supply services whose population served is 2,000 people or less not to install fire hydrants in the corresponding water supply system through consultation with the head of municipality subject to Article 7 of the Fire and Disaster Management Organization Act (Act No. 226 of 1947).

Article 25-2(1)The designation set forth in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) shall be implemented through application by a person engaging in a business of plumbing works.

(2)A person intending to seek designation stipulated in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) shall submit an application form subject to the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to a water supplier, which includes the following information.

Article 25-3(1)In case that a water supplier deems that an applicant for designation set forth in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) has conformed to all requirements set forth in the following items, such water supplier shall make such designation.

(2)In case that the designation set forth in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) is applicable to a water supplier, such water supplier shall undertake measures for familiarizing the general public with information to such effect without delay.

Article 25-3-2(1)Unless renewal takes place every five (5) years, the designation set forth in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) shall become invalid upon the elapse of such period.

(2)In case that an application for renewal has been submitted in accordance with the preceding paragraph, if a decision regarding such application has not been made by the day of expiration of the period of the said paragraph (hereinafter referred to as the "effective period for designation" in this paragraph and the following paragraph), the previous designation shall remain valid during the period until the decision is made even following expiration of the effective period for designation.

(3)In cases set forth in the preceding paragraph, if designation has been renewed, the effective period for designation shall be reckoned from the day following the day of expiration of the previous effective period for designation.

(4)The provisions of the preceding two Articles shall apply mutatis mutandis to renewal of designation set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 25-4(1)From among those who have been issued with chief engineer license for plumbing work, a designated plumbing work contractor shall appoint in each office a chief engineer for plumbing work who carries out duties set forth in each item of paragraph (3) in accordance with provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)In case that a designated plumbing work contractor has appointed a chief engineer for plumbing work, the designated plumbing work contractor shall notify the water supplier to such effect without delay. The same shall applies to cases in which the chief engineer for plumbing work has been dismissed.

(3)The chief engineer for plumbing work shall sincerely implement the following duties.

(4)A person engaging in plumbing works shall follow the guidance given by the chief engineer for plumbing work while on duty.

Article 25-5(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall issue a chief engineer license for plumbing work to a person who has passed examination for a chief engineer for plumbing work.

(2)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may decide not to issue the chief engineer license for plumbing work to a person to which either one of the following items is applicable.

(3)In case that a person that has been issued with the chief engineer license for plumbing work has violated this Act, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order such person to return the same.

(4)The issuance, reissuance, reissuance and return of a chief engineer license for plumbing work shall be administered by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport.

(5)In addition to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, matters required for issuance, issuance for renewal, reissuance and returning of the chief engineer license for plumbing work shall be determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 25-6(1)Examination for a chief engineer for plumbing work shall be conducted by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment, and it shall concern knowledge and techniques required for a chief engineer for plumbing work.

(2)Only a person that has practical experience of three (3) years or longer concerning plumbing works shall be entitled to take examination for a chief engineer for plumbing work.

(3)Examination subjects, examination procedures, and other details of examination for a chief engineer for plumbing work shall be determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 25-7In case that modification has taken place concerning the name and location of an office for a designated plumbing work contractor or other matters determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or when a designated plumbing work contractor has abolished, suspended, or resumed a business for plumbing works, such designated plumbing work contractor shall notify the relevant water supplier to such effect subject to the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 25-8A designated plumbing work contractor shall endeavor business operation for plumbing works in accordance with the standards for business operation for plumbing works regulated under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 25-9When a water supplier implements inspection of plumbing system in accordance with the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1), the water supplier may request that a designated plumbing work contractor who has implemented such plumbing works related to such plumbing system cause the chief engineer for plumbing work related to the office regarding which such plumbing works has been implemented to attend the relevant inspection.

Article 25-10A water supplier may request that a designated plumbing work contractor submit reports or materials necessary in relation to plumbing works that such designated plumbing work contractor has implemented in its service area.

Article 25-11(1)In case that any one of the following items is applicable to a designated plumbing work contractor, a water supplier may rescind the designation of Article 16-2, paragraph (1).

(2)The provisions of Article 25-3, paragraph (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the cases set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Article 25-12(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may cause a person designated thereby (hereinafter referred to as "a designated examination body") to conduct affairs (hereinafter referred to as "examination affairs") related to implementation of examination for a chief engineer for plumbing work.

(2)Designation of a designated examination body shall be conducted with an application by a person that intends to perform examination affairs.

Article 25-13(1)Unless there exists any other person that has been designated and unless it is deemed that an application as regulated under Article 25-12, paragraph (2) is found to satisfy the following requirements, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall not designate an applicant as a designated examination body.

(2)In case that any one of the following items is applicable to an applicant that has made application as regulated under Article 25-12, paragraph (2), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall not designate the applicant as a designated examination body.

Article 25-14(1)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment have granted designation as regulated under article 25-12, paragraph (1), the Ministers shall give public notice regarding the name, location of its principal office, and the day of such designation of a designated examination body.

(2)In case that a designated examination body intends to change its name or location of principal office, such designated examination body shall notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment to such effect two (2) weeks prior to the intended day of such change.

(3)In case that notification set forth in the provisions of the preceding paragraph has taken place, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall give public notice to such effect.

Article 25-15(1)Appointment and dismissal of an officer of a designated examination body shall not become effective unless the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment authorize it.

(2)In case that an officer of a designated examination body has undertaken an action in violation of this Act (including an order or a disposition based on this Act), an action against the implementation rules for examination affairs set forth in Article 25-18, paragraph (1), or a remarkably inappropriate action in relation to examination affairs, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order a designated examination body to dismiss such officer.

Article 25-16(1)From among examination affairs, in case that a designated examination body conducts affairs regarding judgment concerning whether or not there exist knowledge and skills necessary as the chief engineer for plumbing work, the designated examination body shall cause examination committee members to conduct such affairs.

(2)In case that a designated examination body intends to appoint examination committee members, such designated examination body shall appoint the same from among those who satisfy the requirements determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environm

(3)In case that a designated examination body has appointed examination committee members, subject to the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment, such designated examination body shall notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment to such effect without delay. The same shall apply to cases in which examination committee members have been changed.

(4)The provisions of Article 25-15, paragraph (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to dismissal of examination committee members.

Article 25-17(1)An officer or a staff member of a designated examination body (including examination committee members; the same applies in the paragraph hereinafter) or a former officer or a former staff member thereof shall not leak secrets that may come to his or her knowledge related to examination affairs.

(2)In relation to application of the Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1907) and other Penal Regulations, an officer or a staff member of a designated examination body engaging in examination affairs shall be deemed to be a staff member engaging in public services under relevant laws and regulations.

Article 25-18(1)A designated examination body shall set forth the regulations relating to implementation of examination affairs (hereinafter referred to as the "operational rules for examination affairs") prior to commencement of examination affairs and shall obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment. The same shall apply to cases in which the implementation rules for examination affairs are changed.

(2)Matters determined under the implementation rules for examination affairs shall be regulated under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Orders of the Ministry of the Environment.

(3)In case that the implementation rules for examination affairs authorized in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) are deemed to have been inappropriate in the course of proper and assured implementation of examination affairs, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order a designated examination body to change such regulations.

Article 25-19(1)A designated examination body shall create a business plan and an income and expenditure budget each fiscal year (and in relation to a fiscal year to which a day of receipt of designation in accordance with the provisions of Article 25-12, paragraph (1) belongs, without delay following such designation), and the business plan and the income and expenditure budget must be authorized by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment prior to commencement of such fiscal year. The same shall apply to cases in which the business plan and the income and expenditure budget are to be changed.

(2)A designated examination body shall create a business report and a statement of accounts each fiscal year and shall submit the same to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment within three (3) months following completion of such fiscal year.

Article 25-20A designated examination body shall furnish and maintain books and documents including matters related to examination affairs subject to the provisions of Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Orders of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 25-21In case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem it necessary to ensure an appropriate implementation of examination affairs, the Ministers may grant an order necessary in the course of supervision relating to examination affairs to a designated examination body.

Article 25-22(1)In case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem it necessary to ensure an appropriate implementation of examination affairs, the Ministers may request that a designated examination body make reports necessary in relation to the status of examination affairs or may cause officials of the Ministers to enter an office of a designated examination body and to inspect a status of examination affairs, facilities, books and documents, and/or other items.

(2)An official who conducts an on-the-spot inspection in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall carry a certificate demonstrating his or her status. At the request of a concerned person, such official shall present such certificate thereto.

(3)Authority stipulated in paragraph (1) may not be construed as being granted for criminal investigation purposes.

Article 25-23(1)A designated examination body shall not suspend examination affairs in whole or in part, or abolish the same, unless it obtains the permission of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment.

(2)Unless it is recognized that there is no likelihood of causing detriments to proper and sure implementation of examination affairs due to suspension of examination affairs in whole or in part by a designated examination body or abolishment thereof, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall not provide the same with the permission of set forth in the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(3)When the permission set forth in the provisions of paragraph (1) has been granted, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall make public notice to such effect.

Article 25-24(1)In case that any one of Article 25-13, paragraph (2), item (i) or (iii) is applicable to a designated examination body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall rescind such designation.

(2)In case that any one of the following items is applicable to a designated examination body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may rescind such designation or may order such designated examination body to suspend examination affairs in whole or in part, establishing a reasonable period therefor.

(3)In case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment have rescinded designation in accordance with the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs or has ordered suspension of examination affairs in whole or in part in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Ministers shall make public notice to such effect.

Article 25-25(1)It shall be possible to attach relevant conditions to designation, authorization, or permission, or to change the same set forth in the provisions of Article 25-12, paragraph (1), Article 25-15, paragraph (1), Article 25-18, paragraph (1), Article 25-19, paragraph (1), or Article 25-23, paragraph (1).

(2)Conditions set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be limited to minimum required conditions for attempting assured implementation of matters related to a corresponding designation, authorization , or permission and shall not impose unreasonable obligations on a person that receives such designation, authorization, or permission.

Article 25-26(1)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment grant designation to a designated examination body, no examination affairs shall be performed by the Ministers.

(2)In case that a designated examination body has suspended examination affairs in whole or in part in response to the permission set forth in the provisions of Article 25-23, paragraph (1), in case that suspension of examination affairs in whole or in part has been ordered to a designated examination body in accordance with the provisions of Article 25-24, paragraph (2), or in case that it has become difficult for a designated examination body to implement examination affairs in whole or in part due to a disaster or for other reasons, if the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem it necessary, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall perform examination affairs in whole or in part.

(3)In case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment intend to perform examination affairs in whole or in part on its own in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph or in case that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment have decided not to perform examination affairs in whole or in part performed on its own, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment shall make public notice to such effect.

Article 25-27In addition to the provisions under this Act, matters necessary in relation to a designated examination body, examination affairs conducted thereby, as well as take-over of examination affairs shall be determined under Ministerial Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Environment.