When determining housing quality, which of the following factors would indicate a more serious deficiency?

When assessing housing quality, the presence or lack of essential utilities and safety features greatly influences overall living conditions. An inadequate running water supply is particularly concerning because access to running water is fundamental for health and hygiene. It impacts a resident's ability to perform basic daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, and sanitation. Without sufficient running water, there is a higher risk of illness due to poor personal hygiene and contaminated food preparation.

In contrast, while insufficient exits in case of fire and inadequate fire protection measures are serious safety concerns that could lead to tragic outcomes, they are more related to emergency preparedness rather than day-to-day living standards. A lack of central air conditioning, while uncomfortable, does not pose an immediate health risk and can often be managed in various ways, such as through the use of fans or natural ventilation.

Thus, the absence of adequate running water signifies a severe deficiency in housing quality as it directly affects the occupants' health and wellbeing, making it a critical factor in evaluation.