Which of the following is a characteristic of water stress?

Water stress is defined by a situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply. In regions experiencing water stress, there is often an imbalance between the population's water needs for drinking, agriculture, and industry and the amount of freshwater that can be sustainably accessed. This imbalance can lead to significant challenges, such as difficulties in meeting agricultural demands, increased competition for limited water resources, and potential conflicts over water usage.

Characteristics that describe the opposite of water stress, such as high water quality, greater water supply than demand, or excess water resulting in flooding, do not align with the concept of water stress. Thus, the situation where water demand surpasses supply effectively captures the essence of water stress. This critical issue is of particular concern in many regions worldwide, as it can impact food security, health, and overall economic development.