Mahyar Naseri Moghaddam - Undergraduate student, Water Engineering Dept., Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Ebrahim Mirzaee - Graduate student, Water Engineering Dept., Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
Seyed Majid Hasheminia - Faculty, Water Engineering Dept., Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Kamran Davari

Undoubtedly qanat could be one of the Iranian’s most creative designs for sustainable use of underground water resources. Controllable application of water by qanat systems guaranteed cultivation of crops in arid and semiarid regions of Iran for more than 2500 years. Based on the important role of qanets in the ancient lives, establishment, utilization, maintenance and management of qanats were done by all villagers and water consumers. In recent years development of wells, and oversupply usage of water and the lack of control and supervision by the governmental authorities caused destruction, drying of many qanats and great reduction in their discharge. Unfortunately, omission and neglect the role of qanat in the villagers’ lives also affected their social aspects and communication relationships. Researches were carried out in the Khorassan province, one of the origins of qanats in Iran, where six qanats were under case study. Survey on the subject was done through inquiry forms of specialist of water and soil research center of the area and the rapid rural appraisal (RRA) technique for local inhabitants. In this study, common problems responsible for destruction of qanats and degradation factors were discussed and applicable solutions for rehabilitation of qanats and participation of locals due to improved management are addressed.

Qanat, degradation, participatory management