A STUDY ON THE SPATIAL CONFIGURATION AND WATER RESOURCE UTILIZATION IN KANAYAMA, GERO CITY, GIFU PREFECTURE (PART 1) : FOCUSING ON WATER SOURCE CATEGORIES AND USAGE PATTERNS

This study categorizes the target area into six regions based on topographical and infrastructural characteristics. Findings reveal a diverse water-use landscape—utilizing springs, groundwater, and rainwater—manifested through communal water facilities, wells, and small-scale water supply systems. Historically, these served as essential infrastructure; notably, wells supported over half of all households before modern systems were introduced. While public water supply systems have led to an overall decline, approximately one-quarter of households maintain these traditional practices. Consequently, diverse water-resource systems rooted in local topography and social relations continue to coexist alongside modern infrastructure today.