Water Security Risk – Part Five
Amirhossein Khodaei – Researcher
Practical, Localized, and Generalizable Solutions at the National Level (Part Two)
Given the serious challenges of water scarcity and the increasing pressure on the country’s water resources, smart and multi-dimensional management of water resources is essential. In this regard, the use of modern technologies, the development of water treatment and recycling infrastructure, supporting industries and various sectors in reducing consumption and optimizing water use, as well as coherent and coordinated policymaking, can play an effective role in preserving water resources and ensuring the country’s economic and environmental sustainability. In the present article, we will examine practical solutions and executive policies in various sectors, including industries, wastewater treatment, urban and rural water resource management, and the role of laws and multi-level management structures.
Smart Conservation of Natural and Artificial Water Resources: A Solution for a Sustainable Future
Dams, natural and artificial reservoirs, wetlands, marshes, and rivers are vital water resources of the country that must be managed carefully and efficiently. Given the high rate of evaporation and water leakage in these resources, the use of evaporation-reduction technologies, such as anti-evaporation covers and the installation of smart meters, can save 20 to 30 percent of water consumption.
Alongside these measures, the protection and restoration of wetlands and marshes contribute to preserving water quality and biodiversity and play an important role in combating drought. Rivers, as vital arteries for water transmission, also require special attention; planting trees along rivers and around natural and artificial water reservoirs should be prioritized. In addition to meeting their own water needs, these trees significantly reduce water evaporation by providing shade and reducing the intensity of sunlight and wind.
These measures not only help preserve and conserve water resources, but also contribute to increasing ecosystem sustainability and improving agricultural and environmental conditions.
Legal Requirement for Mechanizing Water Consumption: A Vital Step toward Optimal Water Resource Management
One of the simple and effective ways to conserve water is to require the mechanization of water consumption in all properties that use water. This could be established as a legal requirement for obtaining or transferring a property deed. Accordingly, any property seeking to obtain a new deed or transfer ownership would be required to install and operate mechanized water-consumption systems, such as smart meters and consumption-management systems.
In addition to facilitating the monitoring and control of water consumption, this law would reduce waste of water resources and contribute to more efficient use of resources. Furthermore, facilitating the issuance of deeds for undocumented agricultural land—approximately 50 percent of agricultural land lacks deeds—combined with the requirement to mechanize water consumption, could provide a strong incentive for resource conservation and sustainable agricultural development.
Implementing this legal requirement, with the cooperation of relevant authorities and the provision of financial and educational incentives to property owners, could rapidly become widespread nationwide and constitute an important step toward the smart management of water resources.
Conservation of Drinking Water in Homes: From Traditional Methods to Mandatory Mechanization upon Completion of Construction
Conserving drinking water in homes is highly important and can be optimized through traditional and mechanized methods. Traditional methods such as using water-efficient faucets and fixtures, collecting and reusing rainwater, preventing leaks and dripping faucets, and using water efficiently for washing can have a significant impact on reducing water consumption.
On the other hand, installing smart meters and water-consumption control systems makes it possible to accurately monitor consumption and detect water losses. These systems can automatically manage consumption and issue necessary warnings.
