A framework for enhancing surface water reuse in Tehran’s urban water infrastructure: learning from international experience

Surface water recycling is essential for addressing water scarcity in arid regions like Iran. This study assesses the feasibility of enhancing surface water reuse in Tehran’s urban infrastructure by focusing on the city’s traditional furrow system—a component often overlooked in both traditional and...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Zifan, Mohsen|||0009-0004-8552-5224, Bosch González, Montserrat|||0000-0001-5908-1288, Martí Casanovas, Miquel|||0000-0001-8839-5905
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:upcommonspor::ae8a45f8ce653bd76e2c12e3ae82450a
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/461136
https://dx.doi.org/10.4995/vlc.2026.25264
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Water stress
Urban water management
Furrow system
Tehran
Barcelona
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Edificació::Instal·lacions i acondicionament d'edificis::Instal·lacions de fontaneria
Descripción
Sumario:Surface water recycling is essential for addressing water scarcity in arid regions like Iran. This study assesses the feasibility of enhancing surface water reuse in Tehran’s urban infrastructure by focusing on the city’s traditional furrow system—a component often overlooked in both traditional and modern water management strategies. Using a descriptive-analytical methodology combining documentary review with field observations in three representative districts, complemented by a structured comparative analysis with Barcelona’s integrated water management model, the research identifies key challenges including high non-revenue water and groundwater over-exploitation. The findings reveal significant opportunities to modernise the network of irrigation channels and integrate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to utilise surface water for nonpotable uses. The study concludes with a multi-criteria framework and practical recommendations for improving Tehran’s urban water resilience.