In the UK, approximately 60% of the population lives in the South and East, which receives only about 33% of the national rainfall. Which statement correctly describes the resulting spatial distribution and management of water resources in the UK?
The North and West experience a water surplus due to high relief rainfall and lower population density, whereas the South and East suffer from water stress and deficit where demand exceeds supply.
The South and East maintain a water surplus because 70%70\%70% of UK aquifers are located there, meaning no regional water transfer schemes are required to meet demand.
Regional water transfer schemes are designed to pump surplus water from the densely populated South East to reservoir networks in the wetter highland regions of the North and West.
High rainfall in the North and West means 100%100\%100% of the UK's population experiences water surplus, meaning there is no geographical mismatch between supply and demand.
