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

(2)Water supply services are to be managed by a 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 to operate water supply services, the applicant must submit an application form to the Minister, accompanied by a business plan, construction specifications, and other documents (including drawings) as specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)The following matters must be stated in the application form mentioned in the preceding paragraph:

(3)If changes have occurred to the information included in the application forms stated in the preceding paragraph, the water supplier must promptly send notice of the changes to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(4)The business plan mentioned in paragraph (1) must include the following information:

(5)The construction specifications mentioned in paragraph (1) must include the following information:

Article 8(1)Authorization for the operation of water supply services must 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 are to be determined by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 9(1)In cases where 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 impose requirements concerning a fixed time frame or other conditions as part of the authorization.

(2)The requirement for a fixed time frame or conditions attached to the authorization in the preceding paragraph must be limited to those necessity for the enhancement of public interest or the enforcement of water supply services, and must not impose unreasonable duties on any applicable water supplier.

Article 10(1)If a water supplier intends to expand their service areas, increase the population served or the volume of water supplied, or change the types of water sources, water intake points, or water treatment processes (excluding the cases listed in the following items), the water supplier must obtain authorization from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In such cases, if the expansion of the service areas includes areas from a different municipality, authorization may not be granted unless the consent of the relevant municipality is obtained:

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

(3)If a water supplier makes any modification that applies to any item of paragraph (1), the water supplier must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the change in advance, in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 11(1)Once water supply has commenced, a water supplier may not suspend or discontinue the corresponding water supply services, in whole or in part, unless the water supplier obtains permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, based on the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. However, this does not apply to cases in which all water supply services are to be discontinued due to their transfer to a different water supplier that will perform the services.

(2)If a water supplier, other than a local government (limited to cases where the population served exceeds the standards specified in Cabinet Order), intends to apply for permission as stated in the preceding paragraph, the water supplier must consult with the relevant municipality whose area is included in the service areas of the corresponding water supply services, in advance.

(3)In the case described in the proviso to paragraph (1), the relevant water supplier must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the matter in advance.

Article 12(1)In cases where a water supplier undertakes the construction of water supply facilities (and, if the water supplier is a local government, this is limited to the construction of water supply facilities specified in the relevant municipal ordinances), either directly or by assigning the work to another party, the water supplier must designate an official or engage a third party to perform technical supervision of the construction.

(2)Persons that perform the work stated in the preceding paragraph must have qualifications specified by Cabinet Order (or, if the water supplier is a local government, must have qualifications specified by the relevant ordinances of that local government, which consider the qualifications specified by Cabinet Order).

Article 13(1)If a water supplier has newly established, expanded, or modified water supply facilities or distribution reservoirs other than water distribution facilities, and intends to commence water supply using the relevant newly established, expanded, or modified facilities, the water supplier must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of this intention in advance. Additionally, the water supplier must conduct water quality testing in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of the Environment and inspect the facilities in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)If a water supplier has conducted water quality testing and facility inspections under provisions of the preceding paragraph, the water supplier must create and preserve the records of the testing and inspections for five (5) years from the date of the inspections.

Article 14(1)A water supplier must establish terms of service concerning rates, the allocation of expenses for water feed system construction, and other service conditions.

(2)The terms of service provided in the preceding paragraph must conform to the requirements stated in the following items:

(3)Detailed technical requirements for the application of standards provided in any items of the preceding paragraph are to be stated by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(4)A water supplier must take measures to disseminate the relevant terms of service to the general public by the dates on which the regulations take effect.

(5)If a water supplier is a local public government and changes have been made to rates among the matters regulated in the relevant terms of service, the water supplier must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the change in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(6)If a water supplier is a person other than a local government, the water supplier must obtain authorization from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to change the service conditions stated 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 stated in each item of paragraph (2), the Minister must grant authorization for it.

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

(2)A water supplier must supply water to persons receiving water via corresponding water supply systems at all times; provided, however, that if the water supplier receives water supply orders under the provision of Article 40, paragraph (1) or under unavoidable circumstances based on other legitimate grounds such as natural disasters and others, the water supplier may suspend water supply for some or all service areas during the period in which such circumstances are affecting those areas. In this case, except when unavoidable circumstances exist, the water supplier must take measures to notify the affected parties of the areas and periods during which water service will be suspended.

(3)A water supplier may suspend the water supply to a receiver from the corresponding water supply systems, notwithstanding the provisions in the preceding paragraph, when the receiver has failed to pay the due charges, has rejected inspection of the water feed system without legitimate grounds, or when that water supplier finds other legitimate grounds, in accordance with the relevant terms of service, and for as long as the reason for suspension remains effective.

Article 16If the structures and materials of the water feed system for receiving water from the corresponding water supply systems do not conform to the standards set by Cabinet Order, the water supplier may reject the applicant's request for a water service contract or may suspend water supply to the applicant until the water feed system meets the required standards, in accordance with the relevant terms of service.

Article 16-2(1)To ensure that the structures and materials of the water feed system, for receiving water from corresponding water supply systems, conform to the standards set by Cabinet Order in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article, the water supplier may designate an individual recognized as capable of appropriately carrying out water feed system construction in the supplier's service areas.

(2)When a water supplier has made the designation as referred to in the preceding paragraph, the supplier may include in their conditions of service that the water feed system for a receiver of water from the corresponding water supply systems, must be installed by the water supplier or a designated individual (referred to below as "designated contractor for water feed system construction").

(3)In the case stated in the preceding paragraph, if the water feed system for a receiver from the corresponding water supply systems is not related to the water feed system construction implemented by the water supplier or a designated contractor for water feed system construction, the water supplier may refuse the applicant's application for a water service contract or may suspend water supply to the applicant in accordance with the relevant terms of service. However, this does not apply in cases where the change to the water feed system is confirmed to be minor, as specified in the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or in cases where the structures and materials of the water feed system are confirmed to conform to standards set by Cabinet Order, in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article.

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

(2)A staff member who performs the inspection of a water feed system in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry identification and present it upon 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 water feed system and water quality testing of the supplied water.

(2)Upon receiving the request stated in the preceding paragraph, a water supplier must promptly conduct the inspection or testing and notify the requesting person of the results.

Article 19(1)A water supplier must appoint one technical manager of water supply systems so that the technical manager is to be in charge of technical services concerning the management of water supply systems; provided, however, that the water supplier must not be precluded from holding the position of a technical manager.

(2)A technical manager of water supply systems must engage in the matters itemized as below and must supervise other staff members involved in these services:

(3)A technical manager of water supply systems must be a qualified person (and when the water supplier is a local government, must have qualifications specified by the relevant ordinances of that local government, taking into account qualifications defined by Cabinet Order) in accordance with the regulations of Cabinet Order.

Article 20(1)A water supplier must conduct regular and extraordinary water quality testing in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

(2)When a water supplier conducts water quality testing in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the water supplier must record the testing information and maintain the record for five (5) years from the date of testing.

(3)A water supplier must 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 does not apply to cases in which implementation of the quality testing 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 specified in Article 20, paragraph (3) must take place at the request of a person planning to conduct water quality testing in accordance with the provisions of the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and 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)If an applicant for registration, as stipulated under Article 20-2, meets all of the following requirements, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment must register the applicant:

(2)Registration is to be completed by entering the following information into the registry of a water quality testing body:

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

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

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

(2)A registered water quality testing body must carry out water quality testing fairly and in the manner stated in the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 20-7If a registered water quality testing body intends to change its name, address, or areas of water quality testing, or office location, it must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment of the change at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled date of the change.

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

(2)Operational rules for water quality testing must include methods, charges, and other matters concerning water quality testing, as specified by the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 20-9If a registered water quality testing body intends to suspend or abolish its water quality testing services, in whole or in part, it must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled date of suspension or abolishment.

Article 20-10(1)Within three (3) months after the end of each fiscal year, a registered water quality testing body must prepare an inventory of assets, a balance sheet, a profit and loss statement or income and expenditure statement, and a business report for that fiscal year. These documents, including electronic or magnetic records prepared in their place (meaning records in electronic, magnetic, or other forms not perceivable by human senses and intended for computerized data processing; the same applies below), are referred to as "financial statements and related records" in the following paragraph. The financial statements and related records must be retained at the office for five (5) years.

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

Article 20-11If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem that any item of Article 20-4, paragraph (1) does not apply to a registered water quality testing body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, they may order the institution to take the necessary measures to comply with those 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 to accept a request for entrustment of water quality testing or to take any measures to improve the methods for water quality testing and other service-related methods when it is deemed that the institution has violated the provisions stated in paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 20-6.

Article 20-13In the event that any of the following items apply to a registered water quality testing body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may revoke its registration, or order the institution to suspend water quality testing services, either in whole or in part, by specifying a reasonable period of suspension:

Article 20-14A registered water quality testing body must furnish and maintain books in the manner specified by the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment, including items related to water quality testing in accordance with the provisions of these Orders.

Article 20-15(1)If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem it necessary to ensure the proper implementation of water quality testing, they may request a registered water quality testing body to report any necessary information on its service status or may authorize their officials to enter the office or place of business of the body to inspect its service status, testing facilities, books, documents, and other relevant items.

(2)An official who conducts an on-site inspection in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry an identification document, and must 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 must make a public notice in the following cases:

Article 21(1)A water supplier must conduct regular and occasional health checkups for persons engaged in services at water intake stations, water treatment plants, and distribution reservoirs for water supply systems, as well as for persons residing at the locations of those facilities, in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

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

Article 22Concerning the management and operation of water supply facilities, a water supplier must perform disinfection or take other hygiene measures as required under the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 22-2(1)Subject to the standards set in the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, a water supplier must maintain and repair water supply facilities to ensure that they are kept in good condition.

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

Article 22-3(1)A water supplier must 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 are to 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 must endeavor to plan a systematic renewal of water supply facilities.

(2)Subject to the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, a water supplier must prepare a written estimate of income and expenditure related to its services, including expenses required for the renewal of water supply facilities, and must endeavor to make the estimate public.

Article 23(1)When a water supplier becomes aware that the water they supply may cause harm to human health, the water supplier must immediately suspend the water supply and take measures to notify the affected parties of the danger posed by 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 must immediately notify the water supplier to that effect.

Article 24(1)A water supplier must install hydrants for public firefighting in their corresponding water supply systems.

(2)A municipality must provide suitable compensation to a water supplier that has installed fire hydrants within its management areas. This compensation covers the expenses incurred for installing and managing the fire hydrants, as well as for installation and management of expanded water supply facilities required due to the additional use of the water supply systems for firefighting purposes, as determined through consultations with the water supplier.

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

Article 24-2A water supplier must provide consumers with information about the water supply services, including the test results of water quality testing and other information provided in Article 20, paragraph (1), in accordance with the provisions of the 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 the management of water supply systems to another water supplier, a wholesale water supplier, or a person to which requirements specified by the Cabinet Order as being capable of appropriately and reliably implementing the services.

(2)When a water supplier has consigned services to another water supplier, a wholesale water supplier, or a person described in the preceding paragraph, the water supplier must promptly report the specified matters to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as prescribed in the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The same applies in cases where a consignment agreement has become invalid.

(3)A person entrusted with services in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) (referred to as "person entrusted with water supply systems management" below) must appoint a single entrusted technical manager of water supply systems to oversee the technical services concerning the management of water supply systems.

(4)An entrusted technical manager of water supply systems must engage in the matters described in each item of Article 19, paragraph (2), within the scope of the services entrusted under the provisions of paragraph (1), and must supervise other staff members involved in these matters.

(5)An entrusted technical manager of water supply systems must be a person qualified as regulated under Cabinet order.

(6)In the case of technical services related to the management of water supply systems consigned in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1), within the scope of the consigned services, a person entrusted with water supply systems management is deemed to be a water supplier, and an entrusted technical manager of water supply systems is deemed to be a technical manager of water supply systems. The provisions of Article 13, paragraphs (1) (limited to the portions related to the 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)), including the penal provisions related to these provisions, are applicable. However, within the scope of the consigned services, those provisions do not apply to a water supplier or a technical manager of water supply systems.

(7)In applying the provisions of Article 25-11, paragraph (1), where the provisions of Article 25-9 are deemed applicable based on the assumption that a person entrusted with water supply systems management is a water supplier in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the term "water supplier" in item (v) of the paragraph is to be read as "a person entrusted with water supply systems management".

(8)In the case of technical services related to the management of water supply systems consigned under the provisions of paragraph (1), the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (2) do not apply to an entrusted technical manager of water supply systems, within the scope of the consigned services. Furthermore, if an entrusted technical manager of water supply systems performs all duties related to the matters specified in each item of that paragraph and supervises other staff members involved in those duties, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) do not apply to the 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; referred to as "PFI Act" below), if a water supplier that is a local government intends to establish the rights to operate public facilities and related assets (referred to as "rights to operate water supply facilities" below) as defined in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the PFI Act, in relation to the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities (meaning the operation, management, or maintenance of water supply facilities in whole or in part, as defined in Article 2, paragraph (6) of the PFI Act, where fees related to the use of the water supply facilities (referred to as "usage fees" below) are to be collected by the operator as their own revenue; the same applies below), the water supplier must obtain prior permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In this case, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (1), the water supplier is not required to obtain the permission stipulated in that paragraph (limited to permission related to the suspension of water supply services).

(2)The operation of water supply facilities and associated activities may only be conducted if a water supplier, as a local government, has established the rights to operate water supply facilities in accordance with the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) of the PFI Act.

(3)In cases where a person with the rights to operate water supply facilities (referred to as "operation rights holder of water supply facilities" below) conducts the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities, no authorization for the operation of water supply services is required, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1).

Article 24-5(1)To apply for the permission stipulated in the first sentence of Article 24-4, paragraph (1), an applicant must submit an application form, accompanied by a service implementation plan for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities, along with any other documents (including drawings) specified in the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)An application form mentioned in the preceding paragraph must include the following items:

(3)A service implementation plan for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities, as stated in paragraph (1) must include information on the following matters:

Article 24-6(1)Permission described in the first sentence of Article 24-4, paragraph (1) must not be granted unless the relevant application meets all of the conditions outlined in the following items:

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

Article 24-7(1)An operation rights holder of water supply facilities must appoint a single technical manager for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities, who will be responsible for overseeing these technical services.

(2)A technical manager for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities must engage in the matters described in each item of Article 19, paragraph (2), within the scope of the services, and supervise other staff members involved in these matters.

(3)A technical manager for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities must meet the qualifications specified in the Cabinet Order under Article 24-3, paragraph (5).

Article 24-8(1)In applying 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 where an operation rights holder of water supply facilities conducts the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities, the term "rates" in Article 14, paragraph (1) is to be understood as "fees" (including fees related to the use of water supply facilities, referred to as "usage fees related to an operation rights holder of water supply facilities" in the following paragraph). These fees are to be obtained by an operation rights holder of water supply facilities, as stated in Article 24-4, paragraph (3) (referred to as "operation rights holder of water supply facilities" in Article 14, paragraph (2), Article 15, paragraph (2), and Article 23, paragraph (2) below) and 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)). Furthermore, the phrase "the following" in Article 14, paragraph (2) is to be interpreted as "in relation to a usage fee related to an operation rights holder of water supply facilities, with a clear provision that an operation rights holder of water supply facilities is entitled to directly claim payment from consumers for water supply systems. The phrase "have been received" in the proviso to Article 15, paragraph (2) is to be interpreted as "have been received (including in cases where an operation rights holder of water supply facilities has received the water supply orders)". The phrase "by a water supplier" in Article 23, paragraph (2) is to be understood as "by a water supplier (including an operation rights holder of water supply facilities; the same applies in this paragraph and Article 24, paragraph (3) below)". The phrase "or a wholesale water supplier" in Article 40, paragraphs (1) and (5) is to be interpreted as "or a wholesale water supplier or an operation rights holder of water supply facilities". Finally, the term "wholesale water supplier" in Article 40, paragraph (8) is to be understood as "a wholesale water supplier or an operation rights holder of water supply facilities". In such cases, an operation rights holder of water supply facilities is entitled to, as a matter of course, enjoy the benefits arising from a water service contract (limited to the portions related to the rights to claim payment of usage fees for water supply facilities subject to the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities).

(2)In cases where an operation rights holder of water supply facilities conducts the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities within the scope of the services, assuming the operation rights holder is a water supplier and the technical manager for the services is a technical manager of water supply systems, the provisions (including penal provisions related to these provisions) of Article 12, Article 13, paragraphs (1) (limited to the portions related to water quality testing and inspection of facilities) and (2), Article 17, Articles 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)) apply. However, the provisions concerning the water supplier and the technical manager of water supply systems do not apply within the scope of the services. The term "renewal" in Article 22-4, paragraph (1) is to be interpreted as "renewal (limited to renewal as defined in Article 2, paragraph (6) of the Act on Promotion of Private Finance Initiative (Act No. 117 of 1999); the same applies to the following paragraph)".

(3)Regarding the application of the provisions of Article 25-11, paragraph (1) in cases where the provisions of Article 25-9 become applicable based on the assumption that an operation rights holder of water supply facilities is a water supplier in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the term "water supplier" in Article 25-11, paragraph (1), item (v) is to be read as "operation rights holder of water supply facilities".

(4)In cases where an operation rights holder of water supply facilities conducts the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities within the scope of the services, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (2) do not apply to a technical manager of water supply systems. Additionally, in cases where a technical manager for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities engages in all matters described in each item of Article 19, paragraph (2) and supervises other staff members involved in those matters, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (1) do not apply to the water supplier.

Article 24-9In cases where an operation rights holder of water supply facilities has notified a water supplier, which is a local government, of the commencement of the operation of the corresponding water supply facilities and associated activities, as regulated under Article 21, paragraph (3) of the PFI Act, the water supplier must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of this without delay.

Article 24-10If changes are made to the following matters, the operation rights holder of water supply facilities must notify the water supplier—the local government that established the operation right—and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of these changes without delay:

Article 24-11When a water supplier that is a local government intends to grant permission under Article 26, paragraph (2) of the PFI Act for the operation of water supply facilities and associated activities, the water supplier must first consult with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-12If an operation rights holder of water supply facilities has violated the provisions of this Act or any orders based on this Act, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may request that a water supplier, which is a local government that has established the rights to operate water supply facilities, take action in accordance with the provisions of Article 29, paragraph (1) of the PFI Act. This applies when the circumstances described in Article 29, paragraph (1), item (i) (limited to the provisions related to sub-item (g)) of the PFI Act are applicable.

Article 24-13In cases where the following items are applicable, the relevant water supplier, which is a local government, must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of that effect without delay:

Article 25(1)Regarding small-scale water supply services, in cases where the corresponding water supply systems do not require water treatment facilities other than disinfection facilities and allow water supply through natural gravity flow alone, the provisions of Article 19, paragraph (3) do not apply.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 24, paragraph (1), it may be acceptable for a water supplier that manages small-scale water supply services serving a population of 2,000 or fewer may, upon consultation with the head of municipality subject to Article 7 of the Fire and Disaster Management Organization Act (Act No. 226 of 1947), be exempted from installing fire hydrants in the corresponding water supply systems.

Article 25-2(1)The designation specified in Article 16-2, paragraph (1), is to be implemented through an application by a person engaging in water feed system construction.

(2)A person intending to seek the designation stipulated in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) must submit an application form, in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, to a water supplier. The application must include the following information:

Article 25-3(1)If a water supplier determines that an applicant for designation, as stated in Article 16-2, paragraph (1), meets all the requirements outlined in the following items, the water supplier must grant the designation:

(2)If the designation stated in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) applies to a water supplier, the supplier must inform the general public of this designation without delay.

Article 25-3-2(1)Unless renewal takes place every five (5) years, the designation stated in Article 16-2, paragraph (1) becomes invalid on the elapse of that period.

(2)If an application for renewal has been submitted in accordance with the preceding paragraph, and a decision regarding the application has not been made by the expiration of the period specified in that paragraph (referred to as "effective period for designation" in this and the following paragraphs), the previous designation remains valid until a decision is made, even after the expiration of the effective period for designation.

(3)In the cases described in the preceding paragraph, if the designation has been renewed, the effective period of the designation is to be calculated from the day following the expiration of the previous effective period.

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

Article 25-4(1)A designated contractor for water feed system construction must appoint, in each office, a chief engineer for water feed system construction from among those who have been issued a chief engineer license for water feed system construction, to carry out the duties specified in each item of paragraph (3) in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)If a designated contractor for water feed system construction appoints a chief engineer for water feed system construction, the designated contractor must notify the water supplier of this without delay. The same applies to cases where the chief engineer for water feed system construction is dismissed.

(3)The chief engineer for water feed system construction must diligently perform the following duties:

(4)A person engaged in water feed system construction must follow the guidance provided by the chief engineer for water feed system construction while on duty.

Article 25-5(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment are to issue a chief engineer license for water feed system construction to a person who has passed the examination for chief engineer for water feed system construction.

(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 water feed system construction to a person to whom either of the following items applies:

(3)If a person issued a chief engineer license for water feed system construction violates this Act, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order the person to return the license.

(4)The issuance, renewal, reissuance, and return of a chief engineer license for water feed system construction is to be administered by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(5)In addition to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, matters required for the issuance, renewal, reissuance, and return of the chief engineer license for water feed system construction is to be determined by Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 25-6(1)The examination for a chief engineer for water feed system construction is to be conducted by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment, with a focus on the knowledge and techniques required for the role.

(2)Only a person with at least three (3) years of practical experience in water feed system construction is eligible to take the examination for a chief engineer for water feed system construction.

(3)The examination subjects, procedures, and other details for the examination of a chief engineer for water feed system construction are to be determined by the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 25-7In cases where there has been a modification concerning the name or location of the office of a designated contractor for water feed system construction, or other matters determined by the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or when a designated contractor for water supply system construction has abolished, suspended, or resumed a business related to water feed system construction, the designated contractor must notify the relevant water supplier of this effect in accordance with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 25-8A designated contractor for water feed system construction must endeavor to conduct business in accordance with the standards for such operations as regulated by the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 25-9When a water supplier inspects a water feed system in accordance with the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1), the supplier may request that the designated contractor for water feed system construction, who performed the related construction, invite the chief engineer for the construction at the relevant office to attend the inspection.

Article 25-10A water supplier may request that a designated contractor for water feed system construction submit reports or materials related to construction performed within their service area.

Article 25-11(1)If any of the following items apply to a designated contractor for water feed system construction, a water supplier may revoke the designation pursuant to Article 16-2, paragraph (1):

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

Article 25-12(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may designate a person (referred to as "designated examination body" below) to conduct affairs (referred to as "examination affairs" below) related to the implementation of the examination for a chief engineer in water feed system construction.

(2)The designation of a designated examination body is to be made upon application by a person intending to perform examination affairs.

Article 25-13(1)Unless no other person has been designated and the application submitted under Article 25-12, paragraph (2), is deemed to meet the following requirements, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment are not to designate the applicant as a designated examination body:

(2)In the event that any of the following items apply to an applicant that has made an application as regulated under Article 25-12, paragraph (2), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment must 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 must give public notice of the name, location of the principal office, and the date of the designation of a designated examination body.

(2)In cases where a designated examination body intends to change its name or the location of its principal office, the designated examination body must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment of the change at least two (2) weeks prior to the intended date of the change.

(3)In cases where notification specified in the provisions of the preceding paragraph has been made, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment must give public notice to that effect.

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

(2)In cases where an officer of a designated examination body has taken an action in violation of this Act (including an order or disposition based on this Act), has violated the implementation rules for examination affairs stated in Article 25-18, paragraph (1), or has taken a significantly inappropriate action in relation to examination affairs, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order the designated examination body to dismiss the officer.

Article 25-16(1)In examination affairs, if a designated examination body conducts matters related to determining whether a candidate possesses the knowledge and skills required to be a chief engineer for water feed system construction, the body must have examination committee members carry out such affairs.

(2)In cases where a designated examination body intends to appoint examination committee members, it must select them from among those who meet the requirements established by Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

(3)In cases where a designated examination body has appointed examination committee members, it must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment, in accordance with the provisions of Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment, without delay. The same applies to cases in which examination committee members have been changed.

(4)The provisions of Article 25-15, paragraph (2) 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 below) or a former officer or a former staff member of it must not leak secrets that may come to their knowledge related to examination affairs.

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

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

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

(3)If the implementation rules for examination affairs authorized under paragraph (1) are deemed inappropriate during the proper and assured implementation of those affairs, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may order a designated examination body to amend the regulations.

Article 25-19(1)A designated examination body is to create a business plan and an income and expenditure budget each fiscal year (and, in relation to a fiscal year in which the day of receipt of designation under the provisions of Article 25-12, paragraph (1) falls, without delay following the designation). 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 the commencement of that fiscal year. The same applies to cases in which the business plan and the income and expenditure budget are changed.

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

Article 25-20A designated examination body must furnish and maintain books, including matters related to examination affairs as specified in the provisions of the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.

Article 25-21If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem it necessary to ensure the proper implementation of examination affairs, they may issue an order to a designated examination body as part of their supervision of the examination affairs.

Article 25-22(1)If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment deem it necessary to ensure the proper implementation of examination affairs, they may request a designated examination body to report any necessary information regarding the status of its examination affairs or may authorize their officials to enter its office to inspect the status of examination affairs, facilities, books, documents, and other relevant items.

(2)An official who conducts an on-site inspection in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry a certificate demonstrating their status. At the request of a concerned person, the official must present the certificate to them.

(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 must not suspend or abolish examination affairs, in whole or in part, without obtaining permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment.

(2)Unless it is determined that suspending or abolishing examination affairs, in whole or in part, by a designated examination body will not hinder the proper and reliable implementation of examination affairs, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may not grant the designated examination body the permission specified in the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

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

Article 25-24(1)In cases where any of Article 25-13, paragraph (2), item (i) or (iii) apply to a designated examination body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment must revoke the designation.

(2)In cases where any of the following items apply to a designated examination body, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment may revoke the designation or may order the designated examination body to suspend examination affairs either in whole or in part, establishing a reasonable period for such suspension:

(3)In cases where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment have revoked the designation in accordance with the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, or have ordered the suspension of examination affairs, either in whole or in part, in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Ministers must issue a public notice to that effect.

Article 25-25(1)It may be possible to attach relevant conditions to designation, authorization, or permission, or to change the relevant conditions stated 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 stated in the preceding paragraph must be limited to minimum required conditions for attempting assured implementation of matters related to a corresponding designation, authorization, or permission and must not impose unreasonable obligations on a person that receives the 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 are to be performed by the Ministers.

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

(3)If 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 their own in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, or if they decide not to perform examination affairs, in whole or in part, on their own, they must make a public notice to that effect.

Article 25-27In addition to the provisions under this Act, matters necessary in relation to a designated examination body, examination affairs conducted by them, as well as transfer of examination affairs are to be determined under the Orders of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment.