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Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions

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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Water Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 10457

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nitin Muttil

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Guest Editor

Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia
Interests: urban water management; resilient urban water systems; climate change mitigation; nature based solutions; sustainable and liveable cities; machine learning techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Upaka Rathnayake

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
Interests: watershed modeling; hydrology; urban water management; climate adaptation; AI-driven engineering solution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As cities grow and climate change intensifies, the challenges of sustainable urban water management are becoming more urgent. Urban areas are vulnerable to water-related issues like flooding, droughts, and pollution, which affect both the environment and public health. Traditional water management methods, often reliant on engineered solutions, can reduce immediate risks but fail to address the interconnectedness of water, ecology, and urban resilience. Over time, these methods can be costly and environmentally harmful and are unable to meet the growing demands of expanding populations while also failing to adapt to climate change.

Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the need for more sustainable practices, such as Nature-based Solutions (NbS), in urban water management. These solutions stem from the understanding that nature holds many answers to urban water challenges. NbS offer innovative alternatives that use natural processes to manage water sustainably while providing co-benefits like enhanced biodiversity, improved public spaces, and climate resilience.

This Special Issue explores how NbS can address urban water challenges by integrating natural systems into city infrastructure. NbS, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, wetlands, urban forests, etc., help regulate water flow, improve water quality, and restore ecosystems. They also offer cost-effective, adaptive strategies to cope with climate variability, supporting long-term resilience and providing effective interventions to protect, manage, and/or restore natural or modified systems, including cities, rivers, watersheds, and coastlines. We invite original research and reviews to inspire dialogue, collaboration, and innovation across sectors, encouraging cities to adopt nature-based approaches in their water management strategies.

Dr. Nitin Muttil
Dr. Upaka Rathnayake
Guest Editors

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Keywords

sustainable urban water management
nature-based solutions
floods and droughts
water quality improvement
climate resilience
green infrastructure
environmental sustainability
coastal management
liveable cities
sustainable development goals (SDGs)

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 16262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Water Resource Allocation for Urban Water Systems in the Context of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Recycled Water Utilization

by Chenkai Cai, Baoxian Zheng, Jianqun Wang, Zihan Gui and Hao Qian

Water 2025, 17(17), 2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172568 - 30 Aug 2025

Viewed by 923

Abstract

Recycled water is commonly considered an environmentally friendly alternative water source for urban water systems, which can not only serve as a solution for water scarcity, but also reduce wastewater discharge from sewage systems. However, owing to the high degree of energy consumption during recycled water production, the utilization of recycled water may be detrimental to greenhouse gas emission reduction. In this work, we conduct a detailed investigation into greenhouse gas emissions from different sources in a typical multisource urban water system in China. Furthermore, we develop an optimization model for water resource allocation based on the rime optimization algorithm and regret theory. The results show that although greenhouse gas emissions from recycled water exceed those from other sources, their impact can be eliminated through rational water resource allocation. Specifically, compared with the original water resource allocation, the optimal results effectively reduce pollutant emissions by 7.6~11.1% without excessively increasing water resource shortages and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, both subjective preferences and recycled water utilization conditions have significant impacts on the optimization results, which should be carefully selected according to practical situations and technologies. Overall, the methods developed in this study provide a new general framework for the water resource allocation of multisource urban water systems in the context of greenhouse gas emission reduction and recycled water utilization, which can be employed in other areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

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18 pages, 6445 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Performance Assessment for Climate Change Resilience in Storm Sewer Network

by Teressa Negassa Muleta and Marcell Knolmar

Water 2025, 17(17), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172510 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 879

Abstract

Urban flooding and the management of stormwater present significant challenges that necessitate innovative and sustainable solutions. This research examines the effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) for resilient storm sewer systems using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), based on customized local climate scenarios. Daily climate data downscaled by four CMIP6 models—CESM2, GFDL-CM4, GFDL-ESM4, and NorESM2-MM—was used. The daily data was disaggregated into 15 min temporal resolution using the HyetosMinute R-package. Two GSI types—bio-retention and rain gardens—were evaluated with a maximum coverage of 30%. The analysis focuses on two future climate scenarios, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, predicted under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) framework. The performance of the stormwater network was assessed for mid-century (2041–2060) and late century (2081–2100), both before and after integration of GSI. Three performance metrics were applied: node flooding volume, number of nodes flooded, and pipe surcharging duration. The simulation results showed an average reduction in flooding volumes ranging between 86 and 98% over the area after integration of GSI. Similarly, reductions ranging between 78 and 89% and between 75 and 90% were observed in pipe surcharging duration and number of nodes vulnerable to flooding, respectively, following GSI. These findings underscore the potential of GSI in fostering sustainable urban water management and enhancement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

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18 pages, 4123 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Growth and River Course Dynamics: Disconnected Floodplain and Urban Flood Risk in Manohara Watershed, Nepal

by Shobha Shrestha, Prem Sagar Chapagain, Kedar Dahal, Nirisha Adhikari, Prajjwal Shrestha and Laxmi Manandhar

Water 2025, 17(16), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162391 - 13 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Human activities and river course change have a complex reciprocal interaction. The river channel is altered by human activity, and these alterations have an impact on the activities and settlements along the riverbank. Understanding the relationship between urbanization and changes in river morphology is crucial for effective river management, safeguarding the urban environment, and mitigating flood hazards. In this context, this study has been conducted to investigate the interrelationship between morphological dynamics, built-up growth, and urban flood risk along the Manohara River in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The Sinuosity Index was used to analyze variation in river courses and instability from 1996 to 2023. Built-up change analysis is carried out using supervised maximum likelihood classification method and rate of change is calculated for built-up area growth (2003–2023) and building construction between 2003 and 2021. Flood hazard risk manning was carried out using flood frequency estimation method integrating HEC-GeoRAS modeling. Linear regression and spatial overlay analysis was carried out to examine the interrelationship between river morphology, urban growth, and fold hazed risk. In recent years (2016–2023), the Manohara River has straightened, particularly after 2011. Before 2011, it had significant meandering with pronounced curves and bends, indicating a mature river system. However, the SI value of 1.45 in 2023 and 1.80 in 2003 indicates a significant straightening of high meandering over 20 years. A flood hazard modeling carried out within the active floodplain of the Manohara River shows that 26.4% of the area is under high flood risk and 21% is under moderate risk. Similarly, over 10 years from 2006 to 2016, the rate of built-up change was found to be 9.11, while it was 7.9 between 2011 and 2021. The calculated R² value of 0.7918 at a significance level of 0.05 (with a p value of 0.0175, and a standard error value of 0.07877) indicates a strong positive relationship between decreasing sinuosity and increasing built-up, which demonstrates the effect of built-up expansion on river morphology, particularly the anthropogenic activities of encroachment and haphazard constructions, mining, dumping wastes, and squatter settlements along the active floodplain, causing instability on the river course and hence, lateral shift. The riverbank and active floodplain are not defined scientifically, which leads to the invasion of the river area. These activities, together with land use alteration in the floodplain, show an increased risk of flood hazards and other natural calamities. Therefore, sustainable protection measures must be prioritized in the active floodplain and flood risk areas, taking into account upstream–downstream linkages and chain effects caused by interaction between natural and adverse anthropogenic activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

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16 pages, 1563 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrological Benefits of Green Roof Retrofitting Policies: A Case Study of an Urban Watershed in Brazil

by Thiago Masaharu Osawa, Fábio Ferreira Nogueira, Stephanie Caroline Machado Gonzaga, Fernando Garcia Silva, Sabrina Domingues Miranda, Brenda Chaves Coelho Leite and José Rodolfo Scarati Martins

Water 2025, 17(13), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131936 - 28 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 764

Abstract

Green roofs (GRs) are emerging as effective tools for mitigating urban runoff, particularly in cities facing challenges related to increased impervious surfaces and flooding risks. This study evaluates the potential hydrological performance of GR retrofitting in São José dos Campos, Brazil, based on municipal legislation, focusing on the effects of reducing the Effective Impervious Area (EIA) in urban watersheds. Using a range of projected EIA reduction scenarios (Mandatory, Incentivized, and Ideal), this study compares key hydrological indicators such as peak flow attenuation, runoff volume reduction, and hydrograph delay during rainfall events with different return periods. The results show that retrofitting with GRs significantly attenuates peak flows and delays runoff, with the ‘Ideal’ scenario (EIA = 16%) achieving peak flow reductions of up to 41% and runoff volume reductions of 35%. However, the effectiveness of GRs diminishes for high-intensity rainfall events, suggesting that GRs are most effective for frequent, low-intensity storms. These findings demonstrate the potential of GRs in reducing flooding risks in urban environments, highlighting the importance of integrating GRs into broader sustainable drainage systems. This study further emphasizes that while financial support is crucial for promoting GR adoption, it alone is not sufficient. Policies should be complemented by educational efforts and urban regulatory measures to ensure widespread adoption and long-term impact. This research provides urban planners and stakeholders with evidence to enhance urban resilience, sustainability, and effective flood risk management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

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29 pages, 4752 KB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Indus Basin Drying? Disparities in the Environmental Flow, Inflow, and Outflow of the Basin

by Naveed Ahmed, Haishen Lu, Bojan Đurin, Nikola Kranjčić, Oluwafemi E. Adeyeri, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal and Youssef M. Youssef

Water 2025, 17(10), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101557 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan owned the Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) and India the Eastern rivers (Ravi, Suleimanki, and Beas). Pakistan’s per capita water availability will reduce from 5260 m³ to less than 1000 m³ by 2025, causing water stress. The Indus Basin’s water availability was examined at inflow and outflow gauges between 1991 and 2015. The Indus Basin inflow and outflow gauges indicated exceptionally low and high flows before, during, and after floods. Lower flow values vary greatly for the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers. During Rabi and Kharif, the Indus and Chenab rivers behaved differently. Lower flows (Q90 to Q99) in Western Rivers are more periodic than higher flows (Q90 to Q99) and medium flows (Q90 to Q99). The outflow gauge Kotri reported 35% exceedance with zero flows during pre-flood and post-flood seasons and 50% during flood season, indicating seasonal concerns. Outflow and inflow both fell, particularly after the year 2000, according to data collected over a longer period (1976–2015). Low storage and regulating upstream capacity caused the Indus Basin outflow to reach 28 MAF (million acre feet) between 1976 and 2015, which is 70% more than the permitted 8.6 MAF downstream Kotri gauge. For 65 percent of the year, the Indus Basin does not release any water downstream of Kotri. As a result, the ecosystem relies on an annual influx of at least 123 MAF to sustain itself, and an outflow of 8.6 MAF from the Indus Basin necessitates an inflow of 113.51 MAF. At high-flow seasons, the Indus Basin experiences devastating floods, yet it dries out at a frightening rate before and after floods. The preservation of ecosystems and riparian zones downstream depends on the large environmental flows in eastern rivers. This is achievable only by fully implementing IWT and improving water management practices at western rivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

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Review

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19 pages, 2450 KB

Open AccessReview

Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Drainage: A Systematic Review of Sizing and Monitoring Methods

by André Ricardo Cansian, Diego A. Guzmán, Altair Rosa and Juliana de Toledo Machado

Water 2025, 17(17), 2524; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172524 - 25 Aug 2025

Viewed by 2047

Abstract

Urban areas face escalating hydrological risks due to climate change, urban sprawl, and aging stormwater infrastructures. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), especially Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs), have emerged as viable strategies to enhance water resilience and sustainability. However, the literature still lacks standardized and scalable methodologies for their design and performance monitoring. This study conducts a systematic review following the PRISMA protocol, combined with bibliometric and co-occurrence analyses, to identify prevailing approaches in the sizing and monitoring of NbS-based SUDSs. Based on the peer-reviewed literature indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2020 to 2024, the findings reveal an increasing integration of hydrological modeling with artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and IoT-based real-time monitoring. Despite this progress, challenges remain in methodology validation, data availability, and system adaptability. The review underscores the need for hybrid, context-sensitive frameworks that integrate empirical and simulated data to support decision-making in urban drainage planning and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

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