Iran, despite possessing a more advanced water management system than many Middle Eastern countries, is experiencing a severe water crisis due to escalating demand, overexploitation of groundwater, frequent droughts, salinization, and unsustainable management practices. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of Iran’s current water resources, identifies key challenges, and examines the main drivers of water scarcity. It also investigates alternative solutions, including wastewater treatment and desalination, which can help reduce reliance on conventional freshwater resources by promoting water recycling and utilizing the country’s extensive saline water reserves. The effective management of water resources in Iran requires a thorough understanding of the water cycle, the implementation of sound management strategies, and the development of suitable infrastructure. However, the absence of reliable hydrological data-such as information on water sources, withdrawals, and environmental rights-poses significant obstacles to sustainable management. The application of environmental isotope technologies offers a promising approach, enabling researchers to trace the origin, recharge, age, and movement of water within the hydrologic cycle. Stable isotopes like deuterium and oxygen-18 serve as valuable indicators of water circulation, providing cost-effective and insightful data for water resource investigations. Despite the critical nature of Iran’s water crisis, the adoption of isotope hydrology methods remains limited, highlighting the need for greater awareness and integration of these techniques. This study emphasizes the use of stable water isotopes to deliver essential information for sustainable water management and informed decision-making regarding water allocation and conservation.
Rafiei-Sarmazdeh, Z. , Karimi-Sabet, J. and karimi, M. (2025). Addressing Iran's water crisis: The role of isotope hydrology in sustainable management. Environmental Resources Research, 13(2), 407-421. doi: 10.22069/ijerr.2025.23420.1498
MLA
Rafiei-Sarmazdeh, Z. , , Karimi-Sabet, J. , and karimi, M. . "Addressing Iran's water crisis: The role of isotope hydrology in sustainable management", Environmental Resources Research, 13, 2, 2025, 407-421. doi: 10.22069/ijerr.2025.23420.1498
HARVARD
Rafiei-Sarmazdeh, Z., Karimi-Sabet, J., karimi, M. (2025). 'Addressing Iran's water crisis: The role of isotope hydrology in sustainable management', Environmental Resources Research, 13(2), pp. 407-421. doi: 10.22069/ijerr.2025.23420.1498
CHICAGO
Z. Rafiei-Sarmazdeh , J. Karimi-Sabet and M. karimi, "Addressing Iran's water crisis: The role of isotope hydrology in sustainable management," Environmental Resources Research, 13 2 (2025): 407-421, doi: 10.22069/ijerr.2025.23420.1498
VANCOUVER
Rafiei-Sarmazdeh, Z., Karimi-Sabet, J., karimi, M. Addressing Iran's water crisis: The role of isotope hydrology in sustainable management. Environmental Resources Research, 2025; 13(2): 407-421. doi: 10.22069/ijerr.2025.23420.1498
)