What is the definition of "sustainable water management"?

The definition of "sustainable water management" emphasizes the importance of meeting the water needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept encapsulates the balance between utilizing water resources for current agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes while ensuring that these resources remain available and of sufficient quality in the long term.

Sustainable water management takes into account environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability, promoting practices that maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems and safeguard water supplies against depletion or contamination. This ensures not only that today's populations have adequate access to water but also that future populations inherit a resilient and sustainable water system.

In contrast to the other choices, which focus on maximizing consumption, profit, or economic factors without considering long-term sustainability, the correct answer recognizes the broader implications of water resource management, which are essential for maintaining environmental integrity and supporting human well-being across generations.