Water Stress - GCSE Geography Definition

Water stress occurs when the demand for water in an area is greater than the available supply or when the water quality is affected, during a temporary period of time. This can happen because there is not enough clean, fresh water, or because more people are using water for homes, farming, and industry. Water stress can lead to problems like shortages, where people can't get the water they need for basic tasks like drinking, cooking, and washing. It can also cause conflicts between different groups who want to use the water. Water stress is a big issue in some parts of the world and is often made worse by climate change and population growth.