Urban drinking water security: A comprehensive review of challenges, frameworks, and strategies

Urban drinking water security is a critical pillar of sustainable urban development, directly influencing public health, economic productivity, and social equity. As cities worldwide contend with rapid population growth, climate change, and increasing resource competition, ensuring reliable, safe, and affordable water access for all urban residents has become an urgent and complex challenge. This review systematically examines the state of urban drinking water security, focusing on how the concept is defined and assessed, the frameworks and indicators employed, the principal drivers and challenges, and the governance and policy interventions that have proven effective. The study aims to identify knowledge gaps and propose actionable recommendations for advancing urban water security. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, encompassing peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and global case studies published in recent years. The review synthesizes evidence on assessment frameworks particularly indicator-based tools such as the Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT) and evaluates their application across diverse urban contexts. The findings reveal that urban water security is inherently multi-dimensional, requiring integrated and adaptive assessment frameworks that address water supply, sanitation, productivity, disaster risk, environmental quality, and governance. Ultimately, strengthening urban water security is fundamental to achieving inclusive, healthy, and sustainable urban futures.