Transitioning Framework Toward A Water-Sensitive City: A Review of Australian Practices

فصلنامه آب و توسعه پایدار

Article 12, Volume 12, Issue 1 - Serial Number 35, June 2025, Pages 136-147   

Document Type: Review Article

DOI: 10.22067/jwsd.v12i1.2409-1362

Authors

Rokhshid Khanalipour^{* 1}; Mohamad Talati²; Samaneh Tavakoli Aminian³; Seyyede Saeede Sherafat³; Fariba Ghanbari³

¹Department of Environmental Planning, Management and HSE, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

²Department of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

³Mashhad Water and Wastewater Company, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

The increasing occurrence of widespread water-related tensions in the international scope, coupled with climate change and limitations on accessible freshwater resources, has led to the ineffectiveness of traditional engineering-oriented approaches in urban water systems management. Therefore, political and social driving and environmental demands have caused urban water systems to be considered as a "Socio-Ecological" System, and strategic planning is needed for its management. This alternative model is called the "Water-Sensitive City". Implementing the new approach requires significant changes in the structures, culture, planning methods, management practices, and stakeholder engagement. The transition toward a Water-Sensitive City consists of six stages. Dominant narratives and enablers are considered as two vital and influencing factors affecting the transition process. Finally, a checklist of effective factors in the transition process is developed, which will act as a roadmap and enabling the creation of a matrix that can evaluate and monitor the progress of the transition.

Keywords

Water-Sensitive City; Transition; Urban Water Management; Resilience; Social Approach

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