Investigating the vulnerability of urban water infrastructure (Ilam) against security threats (with a passive defense approach)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor Department of Geography & Urban Planning, Shahid Chamran university of Ahvaz

2 Postdoctoral researcher in Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

10.22034/gp.2026.70085.3479

Abstract

In the contemporary era,urban areas have become increasingly vulnerable due to the growing complexity and interdependence of urban systems.Cities are simultaneously exposed to natural hazards, technological failures,and socio-security threats, which can severely disrupt urban life. Among urban lifeline infrastructures, water supply systems are considered critical facilities,as their disruption can lead to widespread economic losses, social instability, public health risks, and security challenges.These systems are particularly vulnerable to military and terrorist attacks; therefore,the application of defensive and security considerations is essential. Passive defense, as a set of non-structural and structural measures aimed at reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience without the use of military force, plays a significant role in enhancing the sustainability and continuity of urban infrastructure services.This study was conducted using a descriptive–analytical research method to assess the vulnerability of Ilam’s urban water infrastructure against security and law-enforcement threats within the framework of passive defense.The required data were mainlycollected through field surveys, including interviews with experts and the distribution of structured questionnaires. In order to analyze the data and determine the relative importance of thecriteria and sub-criteria, theAnalytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)and network analysis were employed.The results indicate that the criterion of critical infrastructure facilities and key managerial indicators has the greatest impact on the vulnerability level of Ilam’s urban water supplysystem.Among the sub-criteria, the water transmission network and water resources and storage reservoirs, with a weight of 0.615, were identified as the most influential factors contributing to system vulnerability.In addition, the proximity to military centers, governmental offices, and municipal facilities ranked next, with relative weights of 0.362 and 0.475, respectively.Finallythe vulnerability layers were integrated to produce a spatial zoning map of Ilam’s urban water infrastructure based on passive defense principles.The study also proposes practical strategies aimed at reducing potential damages and improving the resilience of the water supplysystem against security-related threats.

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Journal of Geography and Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 March 2026

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