The water table in an arid region had dropped for years due mainly to the many farms that relied on water pumped from the underlying aquifer. Water conservation measures were taken five years ago when residents realized that soon no water would be available for human use. The water table has since stabilized, but has not significantly risen. Accordingly, in order to replenish the aquifer and return the water table to its normal level, new water conservation measures need to be taken. The argument above would be most weakened if it were true that?

A reduced but stable aquifer is not a serious threat to human life or agricultural productivity.

Aquifers in arid regions replenish very slowly over centuries, if at all.

The growth of a major city in the region has meant that agricultural demands for water are now a smaller portion of the total demand.

It takes rainwater approximately one year to filter down to the aquifer and affect the level of the water table.

More drastic water conservation measures would cause great personal and economic hardships on the people of the region, leading some to leave it entirely.