Introduction
Water scarcity is a critical 21st-century challenge, especially in arid regions like Iran. Overexploitation of groundwater and intensified droughts have severely depleted aquifers. Flood spreading projects (FSPs), a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) strategy, aim to divert floodwaters into aquifers, mitigate runoff, and enhance ecological stability. The Haftooman FSP in Khour and Biabanak County was initiated with these goals. However, despite significant investment, its actual performance across ecological, social, and economic objectives remains poorly documented. Most prior studies in Iran and elsewhere have examined isolated dimensions (e.g., hydrology or economics) without a comprehensive, integrated assessment. The lack of long-term monitoring infrastructure, like piezometers, has further hindered evaluating recharge benefits. This study applies the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) combined with expert knowledge to holistically evaluate the Haftooman project's multi-dimensional impacts. It systematically integrates environmental, hydrological, social, and economic indicators to critically analyze the project's effectiveness, identify causes of its limited success, and provide practical recommendations for future FSPs in arid environments, bridging the gap between scientific evaluation and policy-making.

Materials and Methods
This study employed descriptive and analytical methods to assess watershed management measures from the users' perspective. Data were collected via a Likert-scale questionnaire designed to gauge opinions on the direct and indirect impacts of implemented projects. The sample population consisted of household heads in the catchment area of the Firuzeh Neishabour mine in Razavi Khorasan Province. The methodology was based on documentary analysis and surveys. Projects in the research area were identified in consultation with the Razavi Khorasan Natural Resources Department. Subsequently, household statistics for villages in the study areas were gathered through field observations, village councils, and the statistics center. Face-to-face interviews and questionnaires were used to collect villagers' perspectives. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine user attitudes towards watershed measures, and results for independent variables and respondent characteristics were displayed in tables. Inferential statistical methods were used to compare variable distributions, calculate average differences between groups, and conduct necessary analyses.

Results and Discussion
The findings indicate that the Haftooman project generated only limited, short-lived positive effects. Hydrologically, while some initial infiltration occurred, long-term monitoring showed no significant groundwater level improvement. Structural failures in diversion canals and rapid sedimentation of infiltration basins severely reduced recharge efficiency. Over time, most floodwaters were retained only in the sedimentation basin, with infiltration volumes declining due to clogging. This aligns with other Iranian studies reporting declining FSP efficiency without sustained maintenance and sediment management. Socio-economically, the project failed to deliver tangible benefits like stable agricultural development, job creation, or income growth. The site's remoteness and absence of arable land downstream meant local communities derived minimal benefit, limited to occasional seasonal water use by herders and miners. Ecologically, initial soil excavation and vegetation removal caused disturbance. Some natural recovery occurred, but no significant improvement in vegetation cover or biodiversity was observed across the wider landscape. Technically and operationally, lack of continuous maintenance and poor design adaptability were critical shortcomings. Consequently, the overall RIAM score placed the project in the "slightly positive" category (+B), far below expectations. Comparisons with successful international experiences (e.g., in Ethiopia and India) underscore the importance of aligning project design with local geomorphological and climatic conditions. The dominance of political over technical planning in Haftooman illustrates how governance failures can undermine water management strategies.

Conclusions
The comprehensive assessment reveals that the Haftooman FSP largely failed to achieve its goals of aquifer recharge, agricultural expansion, and ecological rehabilitation. Hydrological impacts were marginal as infiltration decreased rapidly due to sedimentation and infrastructure decay. Socio-economic benefits were negligible, with no sustainable livelihood improvements. Ecologically, impacts were mixed; initial damage was partially mitigated by natural recovery, but no significant long-term enhancements in biodiversity or ecosystem services occurred. The technical-operational evaluation highlighted chronic weaknesses, including poor structural resilience, lack of sediment management, and absence of long-term maintenance. Overall, the project's contribution to regional water security and development was minimal. Key lessons are that FSP success in arid environments requires integrated planning incorporating climatic realities, robust engineering, continuous monitoring, and community participation. Future projects must prioritize sediment management, establish monitoring infrastructure like piezometers, and align objectives with local socio-economic needs, not political agendas. Adopting adaptive management frameworks for periodic review and correction is crucial. Furthermore, involving local stakeholders is essential for sustainability and equitable benefit-sharing. This case serves as a cautionary tale: without integrating technical, ecological, and social dimensions, FSPs risk being symbolic rather than transformative interventions in water resource management.