Japan begins controlled discharge of ALPS-treated water at Fukushima Daiichi

Japan began the controlled discharge of ALPS-treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi site into the Pacific in August 2023, after treatment to remove most radionuclides and dilution of residual tritium to well below regulatory limits. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which maintains an on-site presence and independent sampling program, assessed the plan as consistent with international safety standards.

The discharges, planned to continue over decades, prompted import restrictions from some neighboring markets and sustained public debate across the region. WaterAtlas covers this topic under our sensitive-coverage policy: human-written, human-reviewed, primary sources only.