University of Applied Sciences and Technology of Tehran Municipality Urban Development Policy Making 3092-653X 3 1 2026 03 21 Strategic Analysis of Water Recycling and Reuse Using the SWOT–QSPM Model within the Framework of Sustainable Governance Strategic Analysis of Water Recycling and Reuse Using the SWOT–QSPM Model within the Framework of Sustainable Governance 51 67 236371 10.22034/judpm.2025.559246.1074 FA Hamideh Baseri Baghsiyah Ph.D. Student in Water Governance, School of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-5248-819X Omid Afkhami Researcher in the field of International Relations and Strategic Management, Tehran, Iran Maryam Afkhami Assistant Professor, Department of Infrastructure Governance, School of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 09 23 <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; background: white; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Increasing water stress resulting from population growth, urban development, and climate change has intensified the need to pay greater attention to water recycling and reuse in Tehran. This study employs SWOT and QSPM models, with a focus on the role of the Tehran Municipality, to analyze the internal and external factors influencing water recycling governance. Data was collected through document analysis and expert interviews. The results indicate that Tehran possesses considerable technical and research capacities; however, weaknesses in integrated governance, limited financial resources, and low social acceptance constitute the main barriers to the development of these policies. The QSPM analysis shows that competitive (ST) strategies are the most attractive; in particular, partnerships with the private sector to enhance treatment plant efficiency and attract international financial resources ranked highest. Moreover, the formulation of national standards for reclaimed water quality and the establishment of economic incentives are considered key supportive strategies. Accordingly, strengthening institutional coordination, developing sustainable financial instruments, and enhancing public awareness can facilitate the transition from a purely technical management approach to sustainable and participatory urban water governance.</span> <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; background: white; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Increasing water stress resulting from population growth, urban development, and climate change has intensified the need to pay greater attention to water recycling and reuse in Tehran. This study employs SWOT and QSPM models, with a focus on the role of the Tehran Municipality, to analyze the internal and external factors influencing water recycling governance. Data was collected through document analysis and expert interviews. The results indicate that Tehran possesses considerable technical and research capacities; however, weaknesses in integrated governance, limited financial resources, and low social acceptance constitute the main barriers to the development of these policies. The QSPM analysis shows that competitive (ST) strategies are the most attractive; in particular, partnerships with the private sector to enhance treatment plant efficiency and attract international financial resources ranked highest. Moreover, the formulation of national standards for reclaimed water quality and the establishment of economic incentives are considered key supportive strategies. Accordingly, strengthening institutional coordination, developing sustainable financial instruments, and enhancing public awareness can facilitate the transition from a purely technical management approach to sustainable and participatory urban water governance.</span> https://www.judpm.ir/article_236371_f974f983f0ae0b2e7195d4e737767fc3.pdf