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Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Water Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 9615

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nan Xu

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Guest Editor

School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Interests: big earth data; sensors; remote sensing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jiaqi Yao

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Guest Editor

Academy of Eco-Civilization Development for Jing-Jin-Ji Megalopolis, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
Interests: hydrology; remote sensing; satellite laser altimetry; deep learning; bathymetry; coastal

Dr. Huanyu Chang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Academy of Eco-Civilization Development for Jing-Jin-Ji Megalopolis, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
Interests: hydrology; water resources management; water-energy-food nexus; drought; optimal allocation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid urbanization poses significant challenges to sustainable water management, necessitating innovative approaches to monitor, manage, and mitigate water-related issues. This Special Issue focuses on leveraging multi-source remote sensing sensors to address these challenges. We aim to explore how remote sensing technologies can provide critical insights into water resource management, particularly in urban settings experiencing rapid growth.

This Special Issue focuses on the latest research related to solving challenges in hydrology monitoring using remote sensing and GIS technology. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Monitoring urban water bodies using high-resolution satellite imagery;
Assessing the impacts of urbanization on hydrological cycles and water quality;
Employing UAVs in real-time water management and flood monitoring;
Integrating remote sensing data with GIS for comprehensive urban water resource management;
Evaluating the effectiveness of urban water management policies using remote sensing data;
Exploring the impact of urbanization on the water–energy–food nexus;
Evaluating water security and sustainable development in urban areas.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Nan Xu
Dr. Jiaqi Yao
Dr. Huanyu Chang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

urban water management
remote sensing
hydrological monitoring
flood
sustainable urbanization

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

44 pages, 13698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Immersive Digital Twins and AI-Driven Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Water Reserves Management: A Conceptual Framework

by Tianyu Zhao, Changji Song, Jun Yu, Lei Xing, Feng Xu, Wenhao Li and Zhenhua Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3754; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083754 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

Effective and sustainable water reserve management faces increasing challenges due to climate-induced variability, data fragmentation, and the limitations of traditional, static modeling systems. This study introduces a conceptual framework designed to address these challenges by integrating digital twins, IoT-driven real-time monitoring, game engine simulations, and AI-driven decision support systems (AI-DSS). The methodology involves constructing a digital twin ecosystem using IoT sensors, GIS layers, remote-sensing imagery, and game engines. This ecosystem simulates water dynamics and assesses policy interventions in real time. AI components, including machine-learning models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) chatbots, are embedded to synthesize real-time data into actionable insights. The framework enables the continuous assessment of hydrological dynamics, predictive risk analysis, and immersive, scenario-based decision-making to support long-term water sustainability. Simulated scenarios demonstrate accurate flood forecasting under variable rainfall intensities, early drought detection based on soil moisture and flow data, and real-time water-quality alerts. Digital elevation models from UAV photogrammetry enhance terrain realism, and AI models support dynamic predictions. Results show how the framework supports proactive mitigation planning, climate adaptation, and stakeholder communication in pursuit of resilient and sustainable water governance. By enabling early intervention, efficient resource allocation, and participatory decision-making, the proposed system fosters long-term, sustainable water security and environmental resilience. This conceptual framework suggests a pathway toward more transparent, data-informed, and resilient decision-making processes in water reserves management, particularly in regions facing climatic uncertainty and infrastructure limitations, aligning with global sustainability goals and adaptive water governance strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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21 pages, 12117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Sensitivity Analysis Framework for Quantifying Permafrost Impacts on Runoff Variability in the Yangtze River Source Region

by Jiaxuan Chang, Xuefeng Sang, Yun Zhang, Yangwen Jia, Junlin Qu, Yang Zheng and Haokai Ding

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041570 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 501

Abstract

In the context of global climate change, understanding cryosphere degradation and its impact on water resources in alpine regions is crucial for sustainable development. This study investigates the relationship between permafrost degradation and runoff variations in the Source Region of the Yangtze River (SRYR), a critical water tower for sustainable water supply in Asia. We propose a novel method for assessing permafrost sensitivity, which establishes the correlation between cryosphere changes and hydrological responses, contributing to sustainable water resource management. Our research quantifies key uncertainties in runoff change attribution, providing essential data for sustainable decision making. Results show that changes in watershed characteristics account for up to 20% of runoff variation, with permafrost degradation (−0.02 sensitivity) demonstrating a greater influence than NDVI variations. The findings offer critical insights for the development of sustainable adaptation strategies, particularly in maintaining ecosystem services and ensuring long-term water security under changing climate conditions. This study offers a scientific basis for climate-resilient water management policies in high-altitude regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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24 pages, 6082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Joint Operation of Flood Diversion and Storage Measures: A Case Study of Poyang Lake

by Shupan Deng, Zhichao Wang, Longhua Wu, Ting Wu, Yang Xia and Yue Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041522 - 12 Feb 2025

Viewed by 627

Abstract

In recent years, flood hazards have occurred increasingly worldwide, posing significant threats to the safety of life and property in lacustrine and riverine environments. To mitigate the devastating impacts of floods, it is crucial to explore optimal strategies for joint flood diversion of flood diversion and storage measures (FDSM). The FDSM management of Poyang Lake in China focuses on studying semi-restoration polder areas (SR Polders) and flood storage and detention areas (FS Detentions), which are subjects of ongoing research. Existing studies primarily focus on SR Polders or FS Detentions, with limited research on the joint flood diversion potential of these two measures, particularly regarding optimal scheduling. This study takes 185 SR Polders and the Kangshan flood storage and detention area (KS Detention) as the primary research objects. By integrating hydraulic theory, numerical simulation techniques, and survey data, we develop a hydraulic model for the SR Polders and a hydrodynamic model for the KS Detention to carry out flood diversion simulation. The 1998 flood is chosen as a typical case to simulate and analyze their flood diversion processes under various schemes. The results indicate that altering the operation criteria for FDSM influences both the maximum diversion discharge and the timing of the main diversion period. For the SR Polders, under the current flood control scheme, raising the operation water level (OWL) of SR Polders-I by 1.0 m increases the maximum diversion discharge by 894 m³/s. Additionally, raising the OWL of SR Polders-II by 0.37 m delays the main diversion period by one day. For the KS Detention, higher flood diversion water levels correspond to greater discharge capacities. Furthermore, a fuzzy optimization method is applied to optimize nine joint schemes of the SR Polders and KS Detention. The results indicate that the optimal joint flood diversion strategy for Poyang Lake is operating SR Polders-I, SR Polders-II, and KS Detention at a Hukou water level of 21.65 m, 22.05 m, and 22.50 m, respectively. Finally, the study provides insights and recommendations for flood control management at Poyang Lake. The results of this study not only have important guiding significance for flood control management of large plain lakes but also provide references for the joint operation of flood diversion and storage areas in other regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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20 pages, 5521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Urbanization on Water Resource Competition Between Energy and Food: A Case Study of Jing-Jin-Ji

by Kuan Liu, Lichuan Wang, Jiaqi Zhai, Yong Zhao, Haodong Deng and Xing Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020571 - 13 Jan 2025

Viewed by 887

Abstract

Water resources, energy, and food are important resources in China, which play an important role in the process of urban development and are important basic resources for sustainable urban development. This study applied water footprint theory to water–energy–food relations. The regional integration of the Jing-Jin-Ji region faced new challenges during urbanization, and unified measures were applied to quantify the urban water demands and energy and food competition in the Jing-Jin-Ji region from 2003 to 2017. The index was used to evaluate the intensity of the competition for water for food and energy. The results indicated that from 2003 to 2017, the water footprint of grain production in the Jing-Jin-Ji region decreased from 30.984 billion m³ to 21.36 billion m³, of which the blue water footprint decreased from 13.032 billion m³ to 9.854 billion m³. The water footprint of energy production increased from 578 million m³ to 1.175 billion m³. The competition relation between cities in the Jing-Jin-Ji region was obtained according to the competition index, and corresponding measures were identified according to different competition levels. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers in designing sustainable urban development strategies for cities facing similar challenges of water resource, energy, and food competition during rapid urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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16 pages, 3239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling-Coordination Analysis of Water Resources–Social Economy–Ecological Environment in the Yellow River Golden Triangle Area

by Zhao Kou, Linjuan Xu, Yongtao Cao, Zhanqiao Wang, Qiang Wan and Xiangyu Gao

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10581; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310581 - 3 Dec 2024

Viewed by 810

Abstract

Water resources, the social economy, and the ecological environment are interrelated and interacting complex systems, and the relationship among them affects the sustainable development of a region. To explore the interactive relationship and driving factors between water resources, the social economy, and the ecological environment, the Yellow River Golden Triangle region is taken as the research object in this paper. By constructing a coupling-coordination evaluation index system of water resources, the social economy, and the ecological environment system, the coupling-coordination development of this region from 2011 to 2021 is studied using the coupling-coordination degree model, and the influencing factors of coupling-coordination development are identified by gray relational analysis. The results show that from 2011 to 2021, the comprehensive evaluation index of the water resources, social economy, and ecological environment in the Yellow River Golden Triangle region shows a trend of steady development followed by a gradual increase. The water-resources subsystem restricts the development of the coupling system. The coupling-coordination degree increased from a barely coordinated stage in 2011 to a well-coordinated stage in 2021. The social economy subsystem and water-resources subsystem are the main factors affecting the coordinated development of the coupling system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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14 pages, 5045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Effects of Securing Baseflow and Improving Water Quality through the Introduction of LID Techniques

by Jeongho Han and Seoro Lee

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208932 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

Rapid climate change and increasing water use have led to various problems in small- and medium-sized urban streams during dry periods, such as stream drying, water pollution, and ecological degradation, reducing their physical and ecological functions. Ensuring adequate baseflow and improving water quality during these critical periods are essential for maintaining urban stream health. While previous studies have explored the effects of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques (e.g., green roof, rainwater harvesting system, permeable pavement, infiltration trench) on infiltration and groundwater recharge, they have primarily focused on general flow regimes rather than dry and low-flow periods. This study specifically evaluates the effects of LID techniques on securing baseflow and improving water quality during dry periods, utilizing the SWAT-MODFLOW model and the Web-based Hydrograph Analysis Tool (WHAT) system. The results show that LID techniques reduce peak flow by an average of 27% and secure an additional 43% of baseflow during dry periods. Suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus (T-P) concentrations were reduced by 15% and 41%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of LID techniques not only in managing stormwater runoff during flood events but also in maintaining baseflow and water quality during dry periods, thus providing valuable insights for sustainable urban watershed management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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22 pages, 1835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Rapid Urbanization on the Efficiency of Industrial Green Water Use in Urban Agglomerations around Poyang Lake

by Huirong Li, Xiaoke Zhao, Xuhui Ding and Runze Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8698; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198698 - 9 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1367

Abstract

The construction of urban agglomerations around Poyang Lake is an important starting point of the strategy for the improvement of central China, but the spatial agglomeration of industry and population brings great pressure to the ecological environment. It is of great practical value to explore the impact of rapid urbanization on the water use efficiency of important ecological functional areas. Considering the undesired output of industrial production, this paper adopts the SE-SBM model to measure industrial green water use efficiency, comprehensively considers different aspects of urbanization of the urban agglomeration around Poyang Lake, empirically tests its inhibiting or boosting effect on industrial green water use and explores its spatial spillover effect with the help of a spatial metrology model. The results show that (1) the industrial green water use efficiency of urban agglomerations shows an overall upward trend, and the efficiency value of central cities is significantly higher than that of non-central cities and continues to show a state of diffusion; (2) social urbanization, environmental urbanization, and balanced urbanization can significantly improve industrial green water use efficiency, while industrial urbanization or industrialization inhibits the improvement in water use efficiency; (3) considering the spatial spillover factor, there are significant positive local effects between population urbanization and balanced urbanization, and significant positive spatial spillover effects between industrial urbanization and environmental urbanization; (4) the original model can pass the significance test by replacing the output-oriented water use efficiency with the input-oriented or non-oriented water use efficiency; the study area is extended to Jiangxi Province, and the impact of urbanization on industrial water use efficiency is basically consistent. We should adhere to the new type of urbanization that improves well-being and is friendly to the environment, rationally plan the industrial spatial pattern of urban agglomerations, adhere to the ecological and environmental threshold on undertaking industrial transfer, and promote the flow and sharing of green production factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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19 pages, 14247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Short-Term Heavy Rainfall-Based Urban Flood Disaster Risk Assessment Using Integrated Learning Approach

by Xinyue Wu, Hong Zhu, Liuru Hu, Jian Meng and Fulu Sun

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8249; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188249 - 22 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Accurate and timely risk assessment of short-term rainstorm-type flood disasters is very important for ecological environment protection and sustainable socio-economic development. Given the complexity and variability of different geographical environments and climate conditions, a single machine learning model may lead to overfitting issues in flood disaster assessment, limiting the generalization ability of such models. In order to overcome this challenge, this study proposed a short-term rainstorm flood disaster risk assessment framework under the integrated learning model, which is divided into two stages: The first stage uses microwave remote sensing images to extract flood coverage and establish disaster samples, and integrates multi-source heterogeneous data to build a flood disaster risk assessment index system. The second stage, under the constraints of Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), optimizes the integration of random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR) base models, and then the WRSL-Short-Term Flood Risk Assessment Model is established. The experimental results show that the Area Under Curve (AUC) accuracy of the WRSL-Short-Term Flood Risk Assessment Model is 89.27%, which is 0.95%, 1.77%, 2.07%, 1.86%, and 0.47% higher than RF, SVM, LR, XGBoost, and average weight RF-SVM-LR, respectively. The accuracy evaluation metrics for accuracy, Recall, and F1 Score have improved by 5.84%, 21.50%, and 11.06%, respectively. In this paper, WRSL-Short-Term Flood Risk Assessment Model is used to carry out the risk assessment of flood and waterlogging disasters in Henan Province, and ArcGIS is used to complete the short-term rainstorm city flood and waterlogging risk map. The research results will provide a scientific assessment basis for short-term rainstorm city flood disaster risk assessment and provide technical support for regional flood control and risk management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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36 pages, 23351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Resource Regulation and Evaluation Method Based on Optimization of Drought-Limited Water Level in Reservoir Group

by Sheng He, Dongmei Wang, Xuefeng Sang and Geng Niu

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167015 - 15 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1355

Abstract

Reservoirs, as critical nodes in regional water management, play an increasingly important role in drought mitigation. This study aims to optimize the drought-limited water level in the reservoir group and propose an evaluation method for selecting the optimal regulation scheme during drought periods. The reservoir water supply module within the Water Allocation and Simulation (WAS) model was enhanced to optimize the drought-limited water level of the reservoir group. A comprehensive adaptation index (CAI) was developed to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of water resource regulation under various drought scenarios. This methodology was applied to large and medium-sized reservoirs in the central Yunnan Province, China. The results show that the optimized drought-limited water level significantly improved the water supply performance of the reservoir group during drought years. Specifically, the optimized drought-limited water level notably reduced severe water shortage for water users in the long series and typical drought years, effectively mitigating the impacts of drought. Additionally, the most suitable water resource regulation strategies for different drought scenarios were identified. These research findings can provide technical references for reservoir management departments and drought operations authorities to formulate drought-limited level for the reservoir group and implement regional drought early warning and defense decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management in Rapid Urbanization)

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