Final answer:
Areas with low demand yet a high supply of water can be found where there is a sparse population or abundant water resources, such as aquifers or precipitation accumulated in mountainous regions. In contrast, high water stress is found in densely populated or arid regions where water resources are insufficient to meet the demand.
Step-by-step explanation:
Areas where there is low demand for water but a high supply are typically located in regions with either a sparse population or a significant amount of water resources that surpass local needs. Contrarily, areas with high water stress, where the demand exceeds the supply, are often found in locations with dense urban populations, limited rainfall, and insufficient infrastructure to access or treat water.
For example, some parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, despite their dry climates, may have a high water supply due to underground aquifers, as in Libya and the Arabian Peninsula. Mountainous areas can trap moisture and create oases or springs that are used for irrigation, providing more water than what is locally demanded. However, these sources can become depleted over time due to overuse, such as groundwater mining or from the effects of global warming.
In contrast, high-demand areas include the Southwest United States, particularly California, India, northern China, and parts of the MENA region. The urbanization and population growth in these areas lead to high water consumption that may outstrip the available water resources. This disparity creates water stress, making the management and sustainable use of water resources a critical issue.