Influence of Water Source Quality on Concrete Performance: A Mechanism-Based Systematic Review and Engineering Evaluation Framework

The use of alternative water sources in concrete production has gained increasing attention due to growing concerns over water scarcity and sustainability; however, existing studies predominantly evaluate water suitability based on compressive strength, often overlooking durability performance and underlying material behavior. This study presents a comprehensive systematic review of the influence of water source quality on concrete performance, integrating findings across fresh properties, mechanical behavior, durability indicators, and microstructural characteristics. The results indicate that concrete performance is primarily governed by the chemical composition, impurity concentration, and treatment level of the mixing water rather than its classification as potable or non-potable. While many studies report comparable compressive strength when water quality parameters are controlled, significant variations are observed in workability, durability, and microstructural development, highlighting the limitations of strength-based evaluation. To address these limitations, a mechanism-based interpretation framework is proposed, establishing a multi-scale relationship linking water chemistry, hydration reactions, microstructural development, transport properties, and durability performance, and providing a unified explanation for variability across studies. Based on this framework, water sources are further classified into low, moderate, and high impurity regimes, offering a structured basis for interpreting performance trends. In addition, a multi-dimensional engineering evaluation framework is developed, integrating fresh properties, mechanical performance, durability indicators, and microstructural characteristics to support practical decision-making in concrete production. Overall, this study advances current knowledge by transitioning from a descriptive review to a mechanism-based and framework-driven synthesis, bridging the gap between experimental findings and practical engineering application in sustainable concrete production.