Review of Water Supply, Treatment and Distribution: Overcoming Challenges for Sustainable Management

ABSTRACT Water management faces increasing challenges driven by population growth, accelerated urbanization and climate change, demanding integrated and sustainable approaches to ensure the preservation of water resources. Water scarcity and rising demand intensify the vulnerability of various regions, threatening both water supply and environmental balance. Despite technological advancements, a gap remains in the literature regarding their integration with effective public policies, limiting the implementation of adaptive and sustainable water management strategies. This study aims to examine the key obstacles and influencing factors in the efficient management of water resources, with a particular focus on analysing successful case studies across diverse regional contexts. A systematic literature review was conducted, complemented by qualitative and quantitative analyses and case studies, applying bibliometric and content analysis techniques to map trends and identify effective solutions. The analysis revealed four central thematic clusters: governance, infrastructural resilience, climate adaptation and the efficient use of technologies for water optimization. The study offers a comprehensive framework of sustainable water management practices, serving as a valuable tool for managers and decision‐makers in both public and private institutions. The originality of this work lies in proposing a management model that integrates technological innovation and cross‐sector governance, providing theoretical and practical contributions to water sustainability. This framework has the potential to guide public policies and business strategies in addressing current and future challenges of water scarcity.