The prediction of nations going to war to secure water is but “a myth”, according to a new report.
Limited water resources have frequently been said will be the cause of many future battles.
But the Stockholm International Water Institute says “very few” disagreements have led to armed conflict.
"It is a myth that water leads to war," the agency said.
In the last 50 years there have been more than 1,800 recorded interactions over water boundaries, but they have included cooperation as well as conflict and “only seven disputes have involved violence”.
During the period, more than 200 agreements and treaties were forged.
The agency says many governments are showing that they prefer dialogue to armed conflict, with many governments wishing to demonstrate their stability in an unstable world.
A prime example has been discussions among Israel, Jordan and Palestine over the river Jordan which touches all of their borders. The Institute says that this is the “only platform where these countries have met for the past couple of years”.
Disputes have been more typical within countries, such as between farmers and livestock owners, than between countries.
Nevertheless, increasing urbanisation and population growth are increasing the need for water in food production, energy and industry.
These demands will ensure that tensions remain. The UN estimates that the world will face a 40% shortfall in water supplies within the coming 15 years.
Climate change demands may also add further pressure.
