2015/08/12 by Fuzhan Nasiri, Mohammad Mafakheri · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Engineering · #Water management and technologies #Water resources management and optimization
paper · pdf · doi:10.1186/s40068-015-0039-9
openalex publication_date 2015/08/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26
As declared by UNESCO, Qanats are considered as a great human heritage. For many centuries, they presented a rational way of groundwater management in arid rural areas. This paper aims at revisiting this ancient water supply system reviewing its structure and characteristics including construction and operational issues. On that basis, we highlight some key sustainability perspectives related to this ancient water supply practice. We advocate that this ancient technology should not only be protected as a great human heritage but also be reconsidered as a sustainable way of groundwater management in arid/semi-arid regions.