Russia's vast water resources may soon become a "strategic resource" as the global water deficit increases, the country's Security Council secretary said on Thursday.
"I can name numerous examples of when a lack of water has led to armed conflicts and wars between neighboring countries," Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview with government daily Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
The world may find itself in the grip of a global water crisis well before 2035, he said.
Russia, which has some of the world's biggest fresh water reserves, does not use the resource efficiently, which creates a serious threat to the country's national security, Patrushev said.
Last year, only 38 percent of Russia's towns were supplied with drinking water that met sanitary requirements, he said.
The problem is heightened by Russia's recent drought that caused the destruction of more than 10 million hectares of crops, forcing the government to ban grain exports until the end of the year.
In a bid to ward off the water crisis, Russia's Water Strategy through 2020 ensures the rationalization of water usage and modernization of water supply systems across the country, Patrushev said.
MOSCOW, August 19 (RIA Novosti)
