To accommodate the rapid human population growth, the water supply should increase by

a. 5 percent each year over a 15-year period.
b. 20 percent over a 15-year period.***
c. 50 percent over a 10-year period.
d. 10 percent each year over the next two decades.

I don't know the figures on this. If this is what your text says, go with it!

To determine the answer, let's calculate the increase in water supply using each option provided:

Option a:
Increase in water supply = 5% of current water supply
Increase over 15 years = (5% x Current water supply) x 15

Option b:
Increase in water supply = 20% of current water supply
Increase over 15 years = (20% x Current water supply) x 15

Option c:
Increase in water supply = 50% of current water supply
Increase over 10 years = (50% x Current water supply) x 10

Option d:
Increase in water supply = 10% of current water supply
Increase over 20 years = (10% x Current water supply) x 20

Comparing the options, we can see that option b, an increase of 20% over a 15-year period, offers the highest increase in water supply, making it the most suitable option to accommodate the rapid human population growth. Therefore, the correct answer is b.

To determine the answer to this question, we can calculate the percentage increase in water supply necessary to accommodate the rapid human population growth.

Let's break down the options given:
a. 5 percent each year over a 15-year period.
b. 20 percent over a 15-year period.
c. 50 percent over a 10-year period.
d. 10 percent each year over the next two decades.

To find the answer, we need to consider the rate of population growth and its correlation with water supply.

The question does not provide information about the rate of population growth. However, we can assume that rapid population growth implies a higher rate of growth.

The answer option that best matches this assumption is option b. 20 percent over a 15-year period. This option implies a higher increase in water supply compared to the other options given.

In summary, the correct answer is option b. However, please note that this is an assumption based on the limited information provided in the question.