The term 'water conflict' is used to describe tensions or disputes between states, countries, or people groups surrounding the utilization, consumption, or control of water resources.

Only 0.4% of the world's drinkable water is accessible to humans. With a growing population of 7 billion people, disputes over potable water sources common especially in regions where water is scarce. Whenever a water source such as a lake, a river, or an underground aquifer crosses national borders, rightful ownership is often contested.

The Nile River in North Africa flows up stream and it is arguable that Egypt has historically benefitted the most – both economically and culturally – from the resources the river has provided. With several countries down stream including Ethiopia, motioning to build a dam for their own purposes, Egypt is faces the reality of losing access to their most precious resource (Kreamer, 2013).

Bangladesh and India both rely on the Ganges River as major source of water for their people. With India posturing to build a dam for energy and efficiency purposes, Bangladesh would be in a more critical condition than they already are (Kreamer, 2013).

Because of the decreasing amount of potable water, it is not uncommon for nations or people groups to have conflict over a shared body of water, as we'll read further.