Final answer:
Groundwater shortages can be caused by pollution, excessive use, and lack of precipitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is all of the above. Several factors can contribute to groundwater shortages, including pollution, use exceeding the rate of replenishment, and lack of precipitation. Pollution can contaminate groundwater and make it unusable for human consumption. When the rate at which water is withdrawn from an aquifer exceeds the rate of natural recharge, it can lead to a depletion of groundwater resources. Additionally, prolonged periods of drought or low precipitation can result in a decrease in the amount of water replenishing underground aquifers.
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