Sustainable water solutions identification and prioritization: a case of correlating water solutions to sustainability in Kassala, Sudan

Abstract Water is the most essential natural resource for life; yet, it is becoming critically scarce in many regions worldwide, particularly in Kassala, where shortages endure for seven months each year. Previous efforts to address sustainable water solutions in Kassala have failed due to inadequate stakeholder involvement in identsifying and prioritizing sustainable water solutions. This study aims to identify and prioritize water solutions based on sustainability criteria. A structured questionnaire was conducted and supported by focus group discussions and direct observations. A significant number of stakeholders prioritized establishing new water sources and replacement of the water distribution network as sustainable water solutions. The correlation between the replacement of the water distribution network and sustainability showed a very strong positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0. 873, p < 0.001). The establishment of a new water source and the reduction of groundwater extraction as sustainable solutions showed strong positive and highly significant correlations (r = 0.555, p < 0.001) and (r = 0.611, p < 0.001), respectively. The study balances various priorities for decision-making to significantly improve the community’s access to water, enhance water resource management, and promote sustainable water solutions in Kassala and similar contexts.