Which type of water scarcity occurs when demand for water is greater than supply?

The correct identification of this type of water scarcity as water stress pertains to the situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply. Water stress occurs when the competing demands for water resources become intense, impacting the availability of water for different uses such as agriculture, industry, and personal consumption. Factors contributing to this scenario include population growth, industrialization, and changes in climate that affect precipitation patterns.

Water stress does not necessarily imply that there is a total lack of water resources; rather, it indicates that the available water is insufficient to meet the needs of users, potentially leading to over-extraction of water sources and associated environmental issues. Understanding this concept is crucial as it highlights the challenges faced by regions with high water usage relative to their supply, pointing toward the need for sustainable management of water resources.