Journal of Water and Sustainable Development

Alignment Framework for Urban Water Management Strategies with Circular Economy Approach: A Qualitative Research

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

Zahra Mousavi 1
Mehrdad Hosseini Shakib 2
Seyed Javad Iranbanfard 3

1 Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, SR.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Industrial Management, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

3 Department of Management, Shi.C., Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/jwsd.v12i4.2508-1451
Abstract
The increasing water stress at both global and national levels, particularly in countries such as Iran, has shown that linear and single‑dimensional approaches to urban water management are no longer capable of addressing the existing complex challenges. In this context, adopting a circular economy approach and aligning water supply and demand management strategies in an integrated manner has emerged as a strategic necessity. This research aims to design a strategic framework for aligning urban water supply and demand management with the circular economy approach. In today's world, the growing challenges of water scarcity and limited water resources necessitate a review of traditional management models and a shift toward innovative and sustainable approaches. The circular economy, as a new paradigm, provides the opportunity to create alignment between supply strategies and demand management. In this research, using the thematic analysis method, 91 scientific articles published between 2015 and 2024 were examined. The research results led to the identification of five main dimensions (resource and infrastructure management strategies, circular economy strategies, demand and consumption management strategies, planning and policy-making strategies, and stakeholder participation and collaboration strategies), 26 components, and 62 indicators. This framework can serve as a guide for policymakers and urban water specialists in designing and implementing strategies aligned with circular economy principles and provide the foundation for achieving sustainable water resource management.

Keywords

Circular Economy
Water Resource Management
Water Supply Strategies
Water Demand Management
Water Resource Sustainability
Subjects
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Journal of Water and Sustainable Development
Volume 12, Issue 4 - Serial Number 38
Innovation and Technology in Water Management
Winter 2026
Pages 103-122

  • Receive Date 17 August 2025
  • Revise Date 25 October 2025
  • Accept Date 31 October 2025

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