Question

Drought is often viewed as a farming problem, but its impact reaches far beyond wilted crops. In prolonged dry conditions, the ripple effects touch entire communities, economies, and ecosystems. While farmers may face immediate losses, cities and consumers soon feel the consequences as well. One of the earliest and most overlooked effects is on water pricing. As reservoirs shrink and demand increases, cities are forced to invest in expensive water conservation and delivery systems. This cost is passed down to homeowners and businesses.Below is a chart from the National Water Management Association showing the average increase in household water bills in drought-affected areas compared to areas with normal rainfall:Region Type2018 Avg. Water Bill2023 Avg. Water Bill% IncreaseDrought-Affected$60/month$76/month+27%Normal Rainfall Areas$62/month$66/month+6%These rising costs are often unnoticed until they appear in monthly utility statements.Livestock owners also face serious challenges. When pastures dry up, ranchers must purchase feed at inflated prices or reduce their herds—sometimes permanently. This can result in temporary meat shortages and higher grocery bills nationwide. The soil itself can also suffer. Without regular rainfall, the topsoil becomes dry and loose, making it vulnerable to wind erosion. In extreme cases, this leads to dust storms and long-term land degradation, harming the environment and reducing future crop potential.Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts. Understanding the full scope of drought requires looking beyond news clips and into long-term consequences supported by data.QuestionWhich piece of information is presented in the article but not in the image?(1 point)ResponsesA farmer standing in a drought-affected fieldA farmer standing in a drought-affected field Visual evidence of dry, cracked land Visual evidence of dry, cracked landA chart showing how droughts raise household water prices over timeA chart showing how droughts raise household water prices over timeThe emotional toll drought takes on individuals and communities

Answer 1

The emotional toll drought takes on individuals and communities

Explanation: The image (chart) only shows water-bill increases; the article describes broader community impacts, including the emotional effects, which the chart does not show.