The qanat, a timeless testament to human ingenuity, emerged on the arid Persian Plateau around three millennia ago as a sustainable solution to water scarcity. This technique channels water from aquifers using gravity through gently sloping sub-horizontal tunnels, avoiding over-extraction and ensuring a delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation. By naturally regulating water flow according to aquifer levels, qanats prevent excessive depletion, serving as a model for sustainable water resource management.
Qanats are ancient hydro-technologies spread in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Asia. Despite their age, they still have the potential to address the contemporary water challenges thanks to their zero energy demand and aquifer conservation.
For more information, please refer to the full study:
Boselli, V. A., Borroni, M., Kassout, J., Houssni, M., Kettouch, A., & Cristoforetti, S. (2025). Qanats: Ancient Innovations Nurturing Sustainable Futures in Water Management. Blue Papers, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2025.1.05
Photo credits: サハラ砂漠 by ZENPAKU downloaded from AdobeStock.