Assessing water resources resilience through underground water and surface-water and urban function analysis in Yazd-Ardakan Plain, Iran

In the context of sustainable urban development, assessing water resilience indicators is essential. In Yazd County located in an arid region, water needs were traditionally met through aqueducts, while nowadays excessive withdrawal of underground water has undermined the region's water resilience. This article aims to establish a comprehensive framework for evaluating water resilience, considering various aspects of urban development and city functions. This framework can serve as an innovative inclusive process in urban and regional planning to promote sustainable water resources, considering five dimensions in total. The findings regarded to urban planning dimension highlight the vulnerability of Yazd, with only 31% water resilience. The assessment of water resources' sustainability indicators demonstrates 33% resilience, indicating a lack of water resilience. Analysis of underground water levels using three databases shows a significant decline in the Yazd aquifer as confirmed by observations in the region. Moreover, surface water resources in the area are projected to decrease by 14% and 28% in future periods (2056–2040 and 2066–2050). respectively, satellite images indicate severe drought in the area. Overall, this study presents an innovative framework for assessing water resilience in arid areas especially Yazd County for enhancing sustainability in urban plans.