Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

A city may have abundant water resources yet face scarcity due to the following reasons:

1. Over-exploitation and falling groundwater levels: Large urban populations use their own groundwater pumping devices, causing excessive extraction, which depletes and degrades the available water resources.

1. Water pollution: Even if water is available in sufficient quantity, it may be polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers, making it hazardous and unfit for human use.

Additionally, unequal access among different social groups means water may be plentiful overall but not reach all residents equally.

Source: Water Resources, Chapter 3 — Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management

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The examiner expects two distinct reasons clearly stated — the question is 3 marks, so one well-explained point + one additional point (with a brief mention of the third) is ideal. The two core reasons from the textbook are (1) over-exploitation/depletion of groundwater by urban households and industries, and (2) water pollution rendering available water unusable. Unequal access is a bonus point. Avoid vague answers like "misuse" — use textbook terminology such as "over-exploitation," "depletion," and "domestic/industrial wastes." Always link the reason back to the specific situation described (a city with enough water overall).