In the heart of Iran, the city of Mashhad faces an escalating water crisis, prompting a critical examination of its water supply strategies. Mahbobeh Farzandi, a PhD graduate from the Department of Water Science and Engineering at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, has delved into the complexities of Mashhad’s water transfer plans, shedding light on both the challenges and potential solutions. Her findings, published in the journal ‘آب و توسعه پایدار’ (Water and Sustainable Development), offer a roadmap for sustainable water management that could reshape the energy sector’s approach to water supply.
Mashhad, a city of over 3 million people, relies heavily on groundwater and dams for its drinking water. However, the share of dams in supplying the city’s drinking water has been steadily decreasing, while groundwater extraction has surged. This imbalance has pushed authorities to explore water transfer projects as a viable solution. Farzandi’s research focuses on two significant initiatives: the Hezar Masjed and the Oman Sea water transfer projects.
“The gap between water resources and consumption in Mashhad Plain is alarming,” Farzandi states. “We need to address this gap through a comprehensive approach that includes both structural solutions and demand management.”
The Oman Sea water transfer project, in particular, has raised several concerns. Farzandi highlights the project’s focus on structural solutions while overlooking demand management. “There is ambiguity in project financing, and the role of the private sector, which could impact national security, remains unclear,” she explains. Additionally, the necessity of social participation in water consumption management has been largely overlooked.
Farzandi’s research proposes a multi-faceted strategy for water resource management. This includes governance system reforms, increasing stakeholder participation, establishing trust-building mechanisms, and integrated water resource management. Innovative demand management approaches, such as water markets, enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing agricultural water consumption, wastewater treatment, and artificial aquifer recharge, are also recommended.
The implications of Farzandi’s findings extend beyond Mashhad, offering valuable insights for other regions grappling with water scarcity. For the energy sector, which is heavily dependent on water for cooling and other processes, these findings could influence future water management strategies. By adopting a more holistic approach to water supply, energy companies could mitigate risks associated with water scarcity and ensure sustainable operations.
Farzandi’s research underscores the need for a paradigm shift in water management. It calls for a move away from reliance on large-scale water transfer projects and towards a more integrated and sustainable approach. This shift could not only address the immediate water supply challenges in Mashhad but also set a precedent for water management practices globally. As the world grapples with increasing water scarcity, Farzandi’s insights could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
