How does urbanization affect the availability of water?

Urbanization can strain water resources in several ways, such as increasing demand for water for personal and industrial use, leading to over-extraction of groundwater and pollution of water sources from urban runoff and waste. As cities grow, they often encroach on natural water sources, leading to habitat destruction and reduced water quality. This can result in water scarcity and the need for costly infrastructure to supply clean water to urban populations.