Water Deficit – Not enough water supply. This exists where water demand is greater than supply

To remember the meaning of the term Water Deficit, use the following mnemonic:

The water is deaf and sits (water deficit) too far down. It won't come out. There just isn't enough water.

Regions that have insufficient water supplies are known as water deficit areas. They can be in deficit because of low rainfall or high evaporation rates.  Another cause can be high populations which place big demands on a limited water supply.

North Africa, the Middle East, South Africa and northern China often face severe water shortages. These are due to physical scarcity (deficit) and overpopulation relative to the size of their water supplies.