1.
water bureau; water utility department
The municipal department or public agency that manages tap water supply and sewage in a city or prefecture. Handles billing, water-quality inspections, repairs, and starting or stopping service at a residence.
引っ越しの前に水道局に連絡する。
Contact the water bureau before moving.
水道局から請求書が届いた。
A bill arrived from the water bureau.
水道が止まってしまったので、水道局に電話して修理を頼んだ。
The water stopped, so I called the water bureau and asked them to repair it.
Compound of 水道 (waterworks; tap water) + 局 (bureau, agency). Each prefecture or city runs its own water bureau; Tokyo's is 東京都水道局.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水道局に連絡する: to contact the water bureau
- 水道局の職員: water bureau staff
- 水道局からの請求書: bill from the water bureau
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 水道会社: water company (less common; many regions have public bureaus rather than private companies)
- 電力会社: electric power company
- ガス会社: gas company