Drinkable water is ______ water in general.

The correct choice is that drinkable water is relatively more scarce than water in general. This statement highlights the distinction between all water and the subset of that water which is suitable for drinking.

While the Earth is covered by a significant amount of water, approximately 97% of it is saltwater found in oceans, which is not safe for human consumption. Of the remaining 3% that is freshwater, a large portion is locked away in glaciers and ice caps, or is present as groundwater, making it less accessible. Thus, only a small percentage of the world's total water supply is readily available for human use, especially for drinking purposes. This limited availability underscores the fact that drinkable water is indeed more scarce compared to the total volume of water available on Earth. Understanding this scarcity is crucial for water resource management and environmental policy, as it drives home the need for conservation and sustainable practices.