vannstress
Vannstress, or water stress, is the condition in which freshwater resources are under sustained pressure due to a combination of natural variability and human demands. It occurs when supply is insufficient to meet human needs and maintain ecosystem health over time, often reflected in high water withdrawals, shrinking per capita availability, groundwater depletion, or deteriorating water quality. Drought can contribute, but water stress emphasizes persistent pressure rather than a single dry spell.
Causes and drivers include rapid population growth, urbanization, and the predominance of irrigation in agriculture; climate
Indicators used to assess vannstress include the withdrawal-to-availability ratio, per capita renewable freshwater, groundwater level trends,
Impacts can include reduced agricultural output and food security, higher costs for households and industry, increased
Management and mitigation focus on improving efficiency, particularly in irrigation; pricing and governance that reflect water