In the heart of Iran’s arid landscape, the Hamedan-Bahar Plain faces an escalating water crisis, a challenge that echoes across many regions grappling with water scarcity. The Ekbatan Dam, a linchpin of the region’s water supply, is under increasing pressure as population growth and industrial demands surge. A recent study led by Saed Ehsan Fatemi, published in ‘Geography and Environmental Sustainability’ (جغرافیا و پایداری محیط), delves into the complexities of sustainable water management, offering a roadmap for the future.
The research, which utilized the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model, simulated various scenarios to predict water availability and demand up to 2051. The findings underscore the urgent need for both structural and non-structural solutions to mitigate water scarcity. “The best scenario is calculated by multi criteria decision making approach,” Fatemi stated, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to water management.
The study explored five key scenarios: increasing population rates, enhancing irrigation efficiency, water transfer from outside the sub-basin, reducing water supply network losses, and adjusting per capita consumption. These structural interventions were complemented by operational rules aimed at minimizing water deficits and managing environmental resources. The Montana method was employed to determine the environmental flow requirements downstream of reservoirs, ensuring ecological sustainability.
The results were clear: structural solutions alone were insufficient to meet future water demands. By 2031, while there was no significant water deficit, the increasing consumption by 2051 exceeded the available resources. However, the integration of non-structural scenarios, such as adjusting water allocation policies and modifying crop patterns, proved effective in supplying all water users in both 2031 and 2051.
This research has significant implications for the energy sector, which is heavily reliant on water for cooling and production processes. As water scarcity intensifies, the energy sector will need to adapt, potentially shifting towards more water-efficient technologies or exploring alternative water sources. The findings also highlight the need for robust water management policies that can adapt to changing climatic conditions and increasing demands.
The study’s approach, which combines structural and non-structural solutions, sets a precedent for future water management strategies. It underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into water planning, ensuring that ecological sustainability goes hand in hand with human needs. As Fatemi noted, “Due to constant water resources and significant deficiencies in the research horizons, respectively structural solutions were initially provided. However, it was observed that structural measures alone are not helpful. That’s why non-structural solutions and their effects on side structural solutions were proposed and examined.”
This research, published in ‘Geography and Environmental Sustainability’, serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and industry stakeholders. It calls for a proactive approach to water management, one that anticipates future challenges and implements sustainable solutions. As the world grapples with water scarcity, the lessons from Hamedan-Bahar Plain offer valuable insights into managing this precious resource for future generations.
