Urban water supply systems are increasingly vulnerable to natural hazards and climate-induced disruptions, demanding robust strategies to ensure reliable service. This study builds upon a multi-indicator vulnerability assessment framework previously developed for the Fiumefreddo aqueduct [1] and combines it with dynamic urban water distribution modeling to quantify the impacts of landslide-induced pipeline failures on Messina’s water supply network [2,3].
Scenario-based simulations revealed that a major aqueduct failure could reduce system-wide service reliability by up to 35%, deplete critical storage tanks within 9–12 hours, and directly impact water availability for approximately 75% of residential population. The research further demonstrates that implementing targeted management interventions, specifically increasing storage capacity by 20% and leakage reduction, can reduce the affected population by half and extend buffer times for storage depletion by up to 24 hours. Source diversification also proved effective, limiting peak water deficits during disruptions.
These findings deliver clear, quantitative measures of vulnerability and resilience, supporting urban water managers and policymakers in prioritizing physical upgrades and emergency procedures. By identifying and comparing the effectiveness of different interventions, this work supplies actionable guidance for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of urban water supply systems facing growing environmental and climatic pressures.
1. Borzì, I. Vulnerability Assessment of Water Supply Infrastructures through Multiple Indicator Methodology. J. Water Clim. Change 2023, 14, 3967–3984. doi:10.2166/wcc.2023.148.
2. Borzì, I. Evaluating Sustainability Improvement of Pressure Regime in Water Distribution Systems Due to Network Partitioning. Water 2022, 14, 1787. doi:10.3390/w14111787.
3. Borzì, I. Assessing Impacts of Climate Crisis on Water Distribution Systems Though Service Inefficiency Indicator. J. Water Clim. Change 2025, 16, 307–321, doi:10.2166/wcc.2025.276.
