In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Environmental Sciences’, researchers have explored the potential of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) in Rasht, Iran, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban water management in the region. Led by Rogahyeh Shokri Biarargh from the Department of Urban Development, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Development, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, the research highlights how WSUD can integrate urban planning with effective water management strategies, reshaping the way cities handle their water resources.
For the first time, the WSUD framework, which originated in Australia in 1994, has been rigorously analyzed in an Iranian context. The study identifies key indicators essential for managing urban water flows, emphasizing the need to revitalize the natural water cycle within urban environments. “The environmental indicator emerged as the most significant factor for sustainable urban water management,” Shokri Biarargh noted, underscoring the importance of urban river health and rainwater storage in the city’s water management strategy.
The implications of this research extend beyond environmental benefits; they present substantial commercial opportunities for the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors. By transforming Rasht’s gray infrastructure into a green-blue network, the city can enhance its resilience to flooding while improving air quality and urban aesthetics. The study suggests that implementing green roofs, green walls, and effective rainwater harvesting systems could reduce drinking water consumption for non-potable uses by up to 50%. This could translate into significant savings for municipalities and residents alike, potentially saving five million liters of drinking water annually through the repurposing of gray water.
The research also proposes strategies for increasing public awareness of the natural water cycle, fostering a community-centric approach to urban water management. “Changing attitudes towards the links of water, nature, and buildings is crucial,” Shokri Biarargh emphasized, highlighting the need for a cultural shift in how urban populations interact with their water resources.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, findings from Rasht could serve as a model for other urban centers in Iran and beyond. The integration of WSUD principles can lead to more resilient cities capable of managing heavy rainfall and reducing urban flooding, which is increasingly becoming a pressing concern globally.
This research not only paves the way for innovative urban design practices but also positions the water management sector to adopt more sustainable and economically viable methods. As the world continues to urbanize, the lessons learned from Rasht’s application of WSUD can influence future developments in urban water management, driving a paradigm shift towards sustainability in cities everywhere.
