Half of Tokyoites turned off by tap water

Half of Tokyo residents are dissatisfied with the quality of their tap water and more than half do not directly drink it, according to a recent survey conducted by the metropolitan government.

The poll of 2,010 households found 50 percent are dissatisfied with tap water, and of these respondents, 78 percent said it tastes bad, 55 percent said it smells of chlorine and 52 percent said they are unsure of its safety.

The survey found that 52 percent of residents do not drink tap water directly. Only 27 percent said they drink it without modification more than once a day, and 34 percent said they do not like to use it even for cooking.

"While we are making efforts to provide tasty tap water by introducing high-quality water purification systems, the survey indicates it is necessary to satisfy those who get water from water-receiving tanks at condominiums," a metropolitan government official said.

The survey was carried out in May.