What is 'water scarcity'?

Water scarcity refers to a situation where there is insufficient water available to meet the demands of a population or ecosystem. This condition can arise from various factors, including but not limited to, diminished water supply, increased population, excessive use of water resources, climate change, and pollution. When water resources are inadequate to satisfy the needs for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and industry, communities face challenges that can lead to health crises, economic difficulties, and even social tensions.

Understanding this definition clearly shows why the option stating a lack of sufficient water resources to meet demands is the correct choice. Water scarcity can be both a chronic condition, which persists over time, and can also be exacerbated by temporary factors, but fundamentally, it revolves around the imbalance between water supply and demand.

In contrast, the other options mistakenly focus on abundance, temporary conditions, or limitations to specific geographic areas, which do not accurately capture the essence of what water scarcity truly entails. Water scarcity is a global issue, affecting rural and urban areas alike, and is not merely a matter of seasonality.