Water Stress
Water stress occurs when annual water demand exceeds reliable water supply, usually defined as occurring when less than 1,700 cubic meters of water is available per capita annually. Regions under water stress face limitations in expanding water-dependent sectors like agriculture and industry.
Real World
Jordan receives less than 200 cubic metres of water per capita per year — well below the 1,700 threshold — forcing the country to import around 90% of its food because domestic agriculture cannot be sustained.
Exam Focus
Distinguish between water stress, scarcity, and critical scarcity using the precise per-capita thresholds; examiners penalise vague use of these terms.
How well did you know this?