Performance Evaluation of Water Management Planning in Karbala City, Iraq

Introduction: Karbala, a significant religious tourist destination, faces increasing water demand due to rapid population growth. The city primarily relies on the Al-Husseiniya River, a tributary of the Euphrates River, and groundwater sources comprising 1,837 active wells with an average discharge rate of 0.014 m³/s. The irrigated land area is estimated to be 49.312 km².Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current water management strategies in Karbala, identifying infrastructure limitations and proposing sustainable solutions to improve water supply. It also seeks to analyze the impact of population growth on water resources and promote public participation in water conservation. Finally, the goal is to develop a comprehensive framework for water planning and management to ensure short- and long-term sustainability.Methods: This study evaluated the current water management strategies by analyzing internal and external water sources, considering population growth and infrastructure limitations. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from water utility reports and qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews. The project was designed for a duration of six years, divided into two phases: the first from 2025 to 2030 and the second from 2030 to 2035.Results: Despite partial reliance on the town's water supply system, Karbala faced a significant shortfall in meeting demand due to rapid population growth and infrastructure issues. Private connections and alternative sources provided some relief, but interruptions in supply persisted.Conclusions: Addressing these challenges was essential for ensuring a sustainable water supply for Karbala’s growing population. Studying urban water supply in Karbala identified service delivery issues and provided insights for policymakers, NGOs, and academics to develop solutions and guide future research.