What term describes the basic systems that include water, sanitation, and electricity?

The term that describes the basic systems essential for a functioning urban environment, including water, sanitation, and electricity, is physical infrastructure. Physical infrastructure encompasses the foundational services and facilities that support the economy and quality of life in cities. These systems are critical for health, safety, and overall living standards.

Urban development refers to the processes and activities involved in the growth and improvement of cities, which may include planning and constructing infrastructure but is broader in scope. Social facilities usually pertain to institutions that meet social needs, such as schools and hospitals, rather than the basic utilities that support everyday life. Environmental management focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of resources and can intersect with urban facilities but does not specifically cover the infrastructure needed for services like sanitation and electricity. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential physical systems that support urban living.