These conflicts occur over both freshwater and saltwater , and both between and within nations . However , conflicts occur mostly over freshwater ; because freshwater resources are necessary , yet scarce , they are the center of water disputes arising out of need for potable water , irrigation and energy generation . As freshwater is a vital , yet unevenly distributed natural resource , its availability often impacts the living and economic conditions of a country or region . The lack of cost-effective water supply options in areas like the Middle East , among other elements of water crises can put severe pressures on all water users , whether corporate , government , or individual , leading to tension , and possibly aggression . Recent humanitarian catastrophes , such as the Rwandan genocide or the war in Sudanese Darfur , have been linked back to water conflicts
Rwandan genocide
Rwandan genocide
Water conflict