Analyzing water crisis through the water footprint approach; case of Isfahan province, Iran

This study examines the impact of an increasing water footprint on exacerbating water scarcity and the crisis in Isfahan province, Iran. It highlights the significance of considering the water footprint approach in water resource management. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive analysis of water availability limitations, population growth, the agricultural sector, and the industrial sector was conducted. The methodology employed for this research involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches, including literature review and statistical data analysis. The findings of this study reveal that Isfahan province faces a significant water crisis due to an imbalance between water supply and demand. The limited renewable water resources in the region exacerbate the challenges associated with meeting the water demands of a continuously expanding population and human activities. The conclusions drawn from this research indicate that focusing on transferring water from adjacent basins as a solution for water scarcity, and even transferring more water if it is available in those basins, regardless of the increasing trend of the water footprint in the province, is not only an unsustainable solution, but also exacerbates the unsustainability of the source water transferred adjacent basins. Some recommendations to improve the water footprint approach in Isfahan province for long-term sustainability include raising awareness to reduce household water usage, promoting efficient irrigation and sustainable agricultural practices, implementing regulations, and encouraging the adoption of water-efficient technologies in the industrial sector. Collaborative efforts between the government, stakeholders, and the public, continued research and data monitoring.