What is often a consequence of increased demand on water resources?

Increased demand on water resources typically leads to water shortages and stress on existing systems. As populations grow and consumption rises, the available water supply becomes strained. This can result in a reduced availability of fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, ultimately leading to shortages.

When demand surpasses the sustainable yield of water sources, ecosystems can also be negatively affected, causing detrimental imbalances in local environments. Alongside this, the infrastructure that manages and delivers water may experience added strain, potentially causing failures or inefficiencies within the system.

Moreover, while options such as the emergence of advanced treatment methods can sometimes be a response to stress, it doesn't directly address the immediate consequence of increased demand. Thus, the most direct and accurate characterization of the impact of heightened water demand is the onset of shortages and system stresses.