If a city's population grows by 12 percent but water-supply capacity rises by only 5 percent, which outcome is most likely?

Correct answer: Pressure on per-capita water capacity will increase

Per-person water capacity depends on both the total supply capacity and the population. If the population rises by 12 percent while supply capacity rises by only 5 percent, people are increasing faster than the system serving them. Even without calculating an exact value, the capacity available per person is likely to fall, creating greater pressure on the water system.

Therefore, option A is correct. If the original capacity is represented by 100 units for a population of 100 units, the new ratio becomes 105 units of capacity for 112 people, which is less capacity per person than before. The water demand does not automatically decline, and there is clearly an effect because population growth exceeds capacity growth.