JR Central announced on May 16 that they suspended maglev chuo shinkansen tunnel construction due to depleting water levels in local wells in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture. 

S/ JR Central President Niwa Shunsuke/ We have caused a troubling predicament to residents of Okutecho, Mizunami due to the depleted water levels of wells and other water sources. 

The railway company confirmed that 14 locations, including communal water sources and private wells, saw decreased water levels. Some were found to be completely dried and unusable. 

JR Central President Niwa Shunsuke said that the tunnel excavation might have impacted the water levels. They will conduct a soil boring test and perform preventative construction to stop the flow of spring water. 

At the same time, another town in Gifu Prefecture said they will not discuss the transfer of excess soil with JR Central until they receive an explanation and prevention strategy for the incident in Mizunami. 

In response, JR Central commented that they would like to properly explain the situation.