A Framework for Assessment of Water Poverty in Iran

Abstract

The water shortage crisis is one of the main concerns that is threatening the biological security in Iran. According to available data and information, providing a framework for the assessment of water poverty in Iran seems crucial. The land-dividing unit in Iran is the province, and most of the governmental information is gathered based on this unit. In this sense, Isfahan province, which is one of the central provinces in Iran that is suffering from water crises, has been selected. The water poverty index (WPI), which is adopted in accordance with Iran’s situation, including five components of resources, access, capacity, use, and environment, has been used for each of Isfahan’s cities. “Capacity” and “use” has the greatest correlation, and it seems any advancement in water utilization for economic purposes might result in increased capacity, and vice versa. Also, there is a positive correlation between WPI and components of access, capacity, use, and environment. It can be interpreted that the lack of access to water services may be due to a lack of income or education. Finally, access, capacity, and use showed the strongest relationships between WPI and its subcategories. Therefore, these three elements should be the main focus of any initiative to manage the water poverty in Isfahan province.