Statement–Courses of Action (urban water scarcity management): There has been a significant drop in the water level of all lakes supplying the city; evaluate which immediate responses logically follow—(I) impose a partial cut in municipal supply to stabilize demand, (II) use mass media to appeal to residents for minimal, responsible use of water—focusing on feasibility, conservation impact, and timeliness.

Given data

• All source lakes for the city have experienced a significant drop in water level.
• Two proposed courses: (I) impose a partial cut in water supply; (II) appeal via mass media for minimal household use.

Concept / ApproachIn acute resource stress, policy should combine demand curtailment (administrative rationing) with behavioural conservation (public appeals), because both reduce drawdown and extend limited stocks.

Step-by-step evaluationStep 1: Course I (partial cut) immediately reduces aggregate consumption by mandate—direct, measurable, and enforceable.Step 2: Course II (mass-media appeal) encourages voluntary conservation (fix leaks, shorter showers, defer washing), amplifying the administrative cut.Step 3: The two are complementary—administrative restraint + citizen cooperation—therefore both logically follow.

Verification / AlternativeStandard drought management uses both rationing and awareness drives; either alone is weaker than the combination.

Common pitfalls

• Expecting appeals alone to suffice without temporary supply control.
• Relying only on cuts without public buy-in, which can spur noncompliance.

Final AnswerBoth I and II follow.