48.Intake dam
Japanese agriculture, however, is now being confronted by a serious threat. That threat is the critical shortage of water that has been occurring during the summer months.
Along with the increase in population due to industrialization and urbanization, water for domestic use has also increased and, due to a number of amendments of laws dealing with agricultural water rights, the flow of water is gradually being diverted to the cities.
49.Chart
Transitionsin the volume of domestic water usage
This indicates the transitions in the quantity of domestic water usage. It can be clearly seen that the demand for water has intensified year after year.
50.Chart
Seasonal change in annual rainfall
However, since 1980, there has been a gradual decline in the amount of precipitation in the form of rain and snow over the Japanese islands.
This illustrates the seasonal change in annual rainfall since 1945. The phenomenon of low rainfall has continued since 1960.
