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A special issue of Urban Science (ISSN 2413-8851). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Environment and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2027 | Viewed by 12008

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sabina Rakhimbekova

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
Interests: contaminant fate and transport; groundwater surface water interactions; climate change

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Urbanization is a defining trend in the 21st century, with cities housing over 55% of the global population and projected to grow further in the coming decades. As urban areas expand, they face increasing challenges related to water resource management, infrastructure sustainability, and environmental governance. Urban water systems are critical to supporting economic growth, public health, and environmental well-being. However, these systems are under strain from climate change, aging infrastructure, and rapid population growth, leading to vulnerabilities in water supply, quality, and distribution. Addressing these challenges requires integrated and adaptive approaches that consider governance frameworks, resilient infrastructure, and innovative adaptation strategies.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore innovative approaches and cutting-edge research on the intersection of urban water systems, environmental governance, and resilience planning. By addressing the scientific and practical aspects of urban water management, this issue aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and highlight solutions that ensure the sustainability of urban water resources in an era of global change.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Innovative governance framework for urban water systems;
Socio-environmental trade-offs in urban water governance;
The design and retrofitting of resilient urban water infrastructure;
Addressing aging water infrastructure in rapidly growing cities;
Smart water systems and digital innovation for water resource management;
Case studies on successful implementation of sustainable urban water practices;
Multi-scale and interdisciplinary approaches to urban water challenges;
The role of data analytics and AI in urban water planning and decision making.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sabina Rakhimbekova
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

data science in water governance
climate change
resilient water infrastructure
integrated urban water management
water scarcity
flood management
urban water quality
big data for adaptation
digital water solutions
urban sustainability

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 292 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Urban Digital Development Index on Water Resource Utilization Efficiency—Based on System GMM Model Test

by Suyang Sun, Tao Wang and Xianming Wu

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(5), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10050227 - 24 Apr 2026

Viewed by 287

Abstract

This study employs panel data for 275 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021. Water use efficiency is measured as an aggregate city-level indicator via stochastic frontier analysis, while the level of digital economy development is quantified using principal component analysis. We then employ the system generalized method of moments to investigate the causal relationship between the digital economy and urban water use efficiency, and further identify industrial structure upgrading as the mediating role through which the digital economy affects water efficiency. The main findings are as follows: (1) The digital economy has a significant positive impact on urban water use efficiency. (2) Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that the digital economy presents a stronger positive effect on water use efficiency in eastern regions than in central and western regions. (3) Exploratory mechanism analysis indicates that industrial structure upgrading serves as the mediating role through which the digital economy improves urban water use efficiency. Based on the empirical findings, this paper draws targeted policy implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

25 pages, 3517 KB

Open AccessArticle

Local-Scale Assessment of Urban Resilience and the Role of Nature-Based Solutions and Stormwater Modelling

by Rita Salgado Brito, Maria Adriana Cardoso, Catarina Jorge, Maria do Céu Almeida, Pedro Teixeira and Maria João Telhado

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(4), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10040198 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 571

Abstract

Although urban resilience is a complex concept, several initiatives have made it more tangible. Urban public authorities and policymakers are of utmost importance, as they influence multiple neighbourhoods, stakeholders and aspects of urban resilience. Nevertheless, the role of individual facilities—such as sports fields—should not be overlooked. While their impacts are smaller in scale, they can significantly enhance local resilience and serve as inspirational pilots for broader initiatives. To assess resilience at the facility scale, an existing assessment framework was adapted, aligned with ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria and climate action pillars and valuing ecosystem services. In the sports field case study, stormwater was reframed from a burden into a resource and integrated with other scheduled resilience-enhancing interventions: water conservation, installation of photovoltaic panels, enhanced tree shading, and circularity through sports equipment reuse. Together, these interventions strengthen urban sustainability, resilience, and climate adaptation while delivering ecological and social benefits. The stormwater drainage system was modelled to simulate naturalization actions. The assessment framework is described, and its application at both neighbourhood and facility scales is discussed. Comparisons between the existing and improved situations show clear resilience gains, and opportunities for extending these measures to the city scale are explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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27 pages, 2001 KB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Study on Renewable Resource Management of Urban Water Systems in Coastal Tourist Areas

by Jure Margeta

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030133 - 2 Mar 2026

Viewed by 719

Abstract

The recovery of water and other resources from urban water systems (UWSs) has long been practiced in many Mediterranean countries, but remains relatively unexplored in Croatia. In this study, the sustainable circulation processes of water, nutrients, energy, and their components in UWSs in coastal tourist areas are analyzed in order to strengthen urban systems and environmental sustainability. Dissipative structure theory is used to critically analyze the complexity and sustainability of UWSs, urban systems, and circular economy frameworks. This study is based on conceptual analysis and knowledge (experience), and the sustainability of a circular urban water system is assessed based on circular thermodynamics. This study examines the core concepts of circular urban water systems as a local resource for nutrients, water, and energy, integrating approaches that strengthen resource recovery concepts. Systemic urban climate adaptation and circular urban systems have been adopted as interrelated strategies for resilient cities, focusing on closing resource loops while building resilience to climate impacts through whole-system approaches. This framework moves beyond single solutions, connecting urban planning, energy, water, waste, and social factors to incorporate green and low-carbon developments into cities. It was established that the principle of integrated resource management lies at the heart of effective water, energy, and nutrient management in coastal urban areas, which treats entire urban life support systems as an interconnected system. Such systems increase the efficiency percentages of water, nutrient, and energy recovery while minimizing sludge volume and system entropy, thus supporting the tourism economy and low-carbon development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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26 pages, 1771 KB

Open AccessArticle

The iWater Index: A Desalination-Sensitive Framework for Water Security and Resilience with Applications in Egypt

by Hassan Tolba Aboelnga and Omnia Abouelsaad

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10020112 - 11 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1029

Abstract

Water scarcity represents an increasing threat to sustainable development, particularly in arid and semi-arid nations such as Egypt. Desalination has emerged as a principal alternative to increase water supply. This paper introduces a new framework, complemented by the iWater Index, a novel holistic evaluation tool designed to quantify desalination’s contribution to water security and resilience. The new DECSI framework integrates five interconnected dimensions—Drinking Water and Human Needs, Ecosystem Sustainability, Climate Resilience, Socio-Economic Equity, and Institutional and Governance Capacity—operationalized through 31 indicators spanning technical performance, environmental sustainability, social acceptability, economic feasibility, and governance effectiveness. The framework was illustrated for Egypt to qualitatively assess the current performance and strategic priority of each indicator. Results highlight the approximately intermediate performance along most axes, with climate resilience being a primary gap, indicating a challenge in reinforcing overall water resilience. The DECSI-iWater tool provides diagnostic and decision-support capabilities, enabling prioritization of interventions, the identification of critical gaps, and the formulation of a step-by-step roadmap for the integration of desalination into national agendas for sustainable water security and resilience. Although developed in Egypt, the model is designed for use in any geographic, institutional, and socio-economic setting, offering a globally relevant strategy for integrating desalination planning with robust water security objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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21 pages, 1520 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Relevance of Urban Water Metabolism to Groundwater Governance: Insights from Two South African Cities

by J. Ffion Atkins and Anna Taylor

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(12), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9120515 - 4 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 657

Abstract

Groundwater is increasingly relied upon in cities, particularly during drought, yet its management often lacks coordination and systems-based decision-making. Effective governance requires inclusive participation across sectors and scales, engaging actors with diverse knowledge, experiences, and priorities. In cities, this is challenging due to the wide range of roles and responsibilities tied to groundwater. This study examines the value of urban water metabolism analysis (UWMA) for enhancing groundwater governance in Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa—both recently affected by severe drought. Through a series of Learning Labs, we convened groundwater-related actors to co-develop a shared understanding of urban water systems. We brought together two methods of systems enquiry, UWMA and governance network analysis to explore physical stocks and flows of water across metropolitan boundaries with governance processes shaping groundwater management. The UWMA revealed that, prior to the 2015 drought, Nelson Mandela Bay’s water supplies were more diversified than those of Cape Town, despite Cape Town progressively pursuing managed aquifer recharge and wastewater reuse. The governance analysis surfaced the diversity of actors influencing groundwater flows across the public, private, and civil society sectors, yet highlighted the fragmented nature of the network, with geohydrology and engineering consultants often acting as intermediaries. This research found that UWMA was perceived to be most useful at larger scales (e.g., watershed/urban scales) and was considered a valuable tool for strategic discussion, though clearer language would increase accessibility. We conclude that UWMA helps identify knowledge gaps, integrate diverse perspectives, and foster stakeholder cooperation. Coupled with scenario planning, it can support participatory and inclusive decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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19 pages, 5566 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of a Floating Wetland on Nitrate and Phosphate Reduction in Urban Waterways: A 5-Year Case Study of the North Branch Canal, Chicago, Illinois, USA

by Daniel Chukwudi, Eric W. Peterson and Phil Nicodemus

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(11), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9110482 - 16 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1525

Abstract

Urban streams often suffer from poor water quality, in part due to nutrient pollution, especially in highly developed areas. Poor water quality, driven by high concentrations of nitrate and phosphate entering waterways from runoff, wastewater, and stormwater systems, contributes to urban stream syndrome. This study evaluates the long-term performance of a floating wetland (FW) system installed in a canal of the North Branch of the Chicago River near Goose Island, an area heavily impacted by urban runoff. From 2018 to 2023, surface and subsurface water samples were collected upstream and downstream of a 90 m² FW system and analyzed for nitrate as nitrogen (NO₃-N) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) using ion chromatography. A paired t-test and two-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant reductions (p < 0.001) in NO₃-N (mean: 1.31 mg/L surface, 1.02 mg/L at 0.3 m) and PO₄³⁻ (mean: 0.64 mg/L surface, 0.57 mg/L at 0.3 m) between waters entering and exiting the FW, with no significant seasonal differences in removal efficiency. These results highlight the FW’s consistent, year-round nutrient mitigation performance driven by plant uptake and microbial processes. Over the five-year period of the study, the FW served as a means of improving the water quality, delivering a sustainable, low-maintenance solution for urban stream management with broader implications for ecological resilience and water quality enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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18 pages, 1723 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sensor Placement for the Classification of Multiple Failure Types in Urban Water Distribution Networks

by Utsav Parajuli, Binod Ale Magar, Amrit Babu Ghimire and Sangmin Shin

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(10), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9100413 - 7 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1362

Abstract

Urban water distribution networks (WDNs) are increasingly vulnerable to diverse disruptions, including pipe leaks/bursts and cyber–physical failures. A critical step in a resilience-based approach against these disruptions is the rapid and reliable identification of failures and their types for the timely implementation of emergency or recovery actions. This study proposes a framework for sensor placement and multiple failure type classification in WDNs. It applies a wrapper-based feature selection (recursive feature elimination) with Random Forest (RF–RFE) to find the best sensor locations and employs an Autoencoder–Random Forest (AE–RF) framework for failure type identification. The framework was tested on the C-town WDN using the failure type scenarios of pipe leakage, cyberattacks, and physical attacks, which were generated using EPANET-CPA and WNTR models. The results showed a higher performance of the framework for single failure events, with accuracy of 0.99 for leakage, 0.98 for cyberattacks, and 0.95 for physical attacks, while the performance for multiple failure classification was lower, but still acceptable, with a performance accuracy of 0.90. The reduced performance was attributed to the model’s difficulty in distinguishing failure types when they produced hydraulically similar consequences. The proposed framework combining sensor placement and multiple failure identification will contribute to advance the existing data-driven approaches and to strengthen urban WDN resilience to conventional and cyber–physical disruptions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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20 pages, 520 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Infrastructure Policy to Adapt to Technological and Social Change

by Neil S. Grigg

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(9), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9090350 - 2 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2488

Abstract

Examples from urban infrastructure in the United States show that high-level policy reports focused on investment neglect performance improvement, as well as changes in society and technology. A study methodology using systems approaches, institutional analysis, and examples from US situations was used to probe causes and remedies of this policy shortcoming. A conceptual systems model of services and the Maslow hierarchy of needs identified essential services spanning water, energy, transit, and streets management. Drinking water services have greater clarity and were selected to assess actor roles, responsibilities, and actions. The institutional analysis and development framework was used to organize the actors, settings, norms, incentives, rules, and action arenas. Data from the drinking water sector indicated that infrastructure policy reports mix issues and obscure significant impacts on specific sectors. They assume a static view and do not consider transformations in social contracts, alternative technologies, and service delivery methods. Without policy reform, public trust in government services will diminish, but political and administrative realities constrain rational and comprehensive approaches. The drinking water social contract is unlikely to change, but partnerships can incentivize reforms like performance assessment and agency accreditation. Development of a road map for urban infrastructure policy reform will require research by task forces of leading-edge practitioners within categorical arenas like drinking water, electric power, transit, and public works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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16 pages, 1064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water Supply, Sanitation, and Irrigation in Vega Alta (Murcia, Spain)

by José M. Gómez-Espín, Miguel B. Bernabé-Crespo, Encarnación Gil-Meseguer, Ramón Martínez-Medina and José M. Gómez-Gil

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(9), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9090345 - 30 Aug 2025

Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Climate change is projected to significantly reduce water availability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, which makes hydrological planning essential given the increasing competition for water resources. Inefficient consumption patterns exacerbate water depletion and highlight the importance of water quality management. Promoting sustainable practices, reducing consumption, and enhancing water recycling contribute to a more resilient approach. The aim of thIS study is to evaluate the reuse of reclaimed water in the Vega Alta region, which accounts for almost 15% of the total water mix (about 99 hm³/year) as it reuses 92.52% of the treated wastewater, most of which is pumped to irrigation areas targeted for consolidation, also creating new landscapes. These figures place the Region of Murcia as the leading autonomous community in Spain for water reuse, although challenges remain regarding water volumes and the associated costs, investment, and maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resources Assessment and Environmental Governance)

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