Rationalizing water consumption in government projects and its relationship to sustainable development

Abstract

This research presents an in-depth analytical study of the issue of rationalizing water consumption in government projects and its impact on achieving sustainable development in Iraq. It is based on the premise that mainstreaming rational water consumption practices throughout the life cycle of government projects represents a strategic approach to achieving a balance between current development requirements and preserving the rights of future generations to water resources, The research highlights the organic nature of the relationship between water rationalization and sustainable development, which manifests in its embodiment of economic dimensions by reducing the financial burden on the state treasury; social dimensions by ensuring fair distribution of resources; and environmental dimensions by preventing the depletion of water resources and preserving ecological balance. The research also reviews Iraq's cultural and historical framework for water management, drawing on its rich heritage of irrigation engineering and water canals, and the Islamic perspective، which embodies ethical values ​​in dealing with the blessing of water and prohibiting waste. It highlights the challenges facing government projects in practice, shedding light on the manifestations of waste and their technical, administrative, and behavioral causes, It also proposes a set of legislative, economic، technical، and awareness-raising mechanisms derived from Islamic and cultural heritage. These mechanisms could form the nucleus of a strategic shift toward adopting more efficient and flexible models for water demand management, serving sustainable development goals and enhancing national water security in the face of current and future challenges.