In collaboration Iranian Hydraulic Association

Assessment of the Impacts of Soak Pits on the Physical Sustainability of Yazd’s Historic Fabric and Qanats: An Indigenous Approach to Water and Wastewater Management

Document Type : Original Article

Author

MSc Graduate in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

Abstract
Recent changes in water consumption patterns and wastewater disposal methods have posed serious threats to the structural stability of adobe buildings and the qanat network within the historic fabric of Yazd. This study aims to investigate the impacts of soak pits on traditional structures and groundwater resources, and to formulate effective strategies for physical conservation and the long‑term durability of this valuable heritage. The research employed a descriptive–analytical approach, drawing on library studies, historical document analysis, field observations, and interviews with local experts. The findings indicate that increased water consumption, concentrated wastewater discharge into soak pits, and reduced soil permeability following urban development have intensified structural damages such as rising damp, foundation settlement, qanat deterioration, and groundwater quality degradation. Moreover, deficiencies in integrated water and wastewater data management have constrained effective planning for damage mitigation. Based on the results, the proposed interventions—including the regulation of soak pit location and depth, the application of ventilation drainage channels, and the enhancement of monitoring systems—leveraging indigenous capacities and heritage conservation standards, could not only strengthen the structural and environmental resilience of the historic fabric but also play a vital role in safeguarding aquifer quality and ensuring the sustainability of the city’s water resources.

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