Qanat Irrigation Systems

Qanat is considered as an ancient and sustainable water management system that does exist in many parts of the world, especially in Middle East and Iran. The main goal of this chapter is to introduce Qanat irrigations system. To this end, two techno-physical and social-cultural sub-systems of Qanats were clearly explained. In general, in terms of techno-physical system, Qanats can be considered as gently sloping subterranean tunnels that link wells over long distances. In other words, the techno-physical system of the Qanat consists of a series of vertical shafts or chains of wells that are connected using steep horizontal tunnels. On other hand, social-cultural system of Qanat irrigation system typically deals with this issue that Qanat is a substantial social phenomenon and should not be viewed only as an engineering wonder. In other words, Qanat system has to be closely linked to the local communities' capacity to plan and manage their own water resources, especially for agriculture. The social institution on which Qanat depends to operate properly is called Buneh. Buneh is defined as a social system in Qanat regions and has been the product of adaptive reaction of human to water shortages in which individuals who are subject of the water scarcity share the managerial and ownership activities of water resources using a complex sharing ethics among local stakeholders. In addition, based on the literature review, some of the contributions of Qanats irrigation system to the sustainability of water resources are introduced. In conclusion, despite centuries of use, Qanats are still important in some countries, since they require little technology to operate and are considered as a sustainable system of water resource utilization, especially in low-water areas.