Smart City Development: Analyzing the Feasibility of Smart Water Supply Systems in Qazvin

This study investigates the feasibility and implications of implementing smart water supply systems as an integral component of the broader smart city initiative in Qazvin, Iran. As cities worldwide face growing challenges related to urbanization, resource management, and sustainability, smart infrastructure—particularly in water supply—has emerged as a critical area of innovation. The primary aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between smart water systems and overall urban smartness, assessing the extent to which intelligent water management can contribute to more efficient, resilient, and citizen-centered urban development. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates qualitative insights gathered through in-depth interviews with urban planning experts, and quantitative data obtained from structured surveys distributed among municipal managers and water authority officials. The results indicate that the integration of smart technologies in water systems has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of water distribution, enhance leak detection, reduce resource wastage, and foster greater public awareness and participation in water conservation efforts. Despite these advantages, several obstacles impede the successful adoption of such systems. Key challenges identified include limited financial resources, inadequate technological infrastructure, a shortage of skilled personnel, and the absence of cohesive regulatory and policy frameworks. The findings emphasize the importance of coordinated planning, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address these barriers effectively.