Underground Water Bypass Opens to Reduce Groundwater Inflow

TEPCO began pumping uncontaminated groundwater intercepted upstream of the reactor buildings via a bypass system, releasing it directly to the sea after confirming it met NRA safety limits. The bypass addressed ~100 tonnes per day of groundwater flowing into reactor buildings, mixing with contaminated water and increasing storage volumes. The bypass reduced but did not eliminate groundwater inflow. Local fishermen's associations, having protested the move, ultimately agreed to the bypass after TEPCO and government pledges of transparency.