Military conflict nearly ensues between Britain and France in 1898 when a French expedition attempts to gain control of the headwaters of the White Nile. While the parties ultimately negotiate a settlement of the dispute, the incident is since characterized as having “dramatized Egypt’s vulnerable dependence on the Nile, and fixed the attitude of Egyptian policy-makers ever since.”
In 1903, the government in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad passes an ordinance increasing the price of water following the construction of national waterworks infrastructure. Public meetings are held to protest the increase, culminating in a riot at the seat of government, the Red House. Protestors set the building on fire and during the riot police kill 16 people and injure 42 others.
During the Spanish Civil War, two concrete gravity dams, at Burguillo and Ordunte, are attacked by the Nationalist army, with a 2.5-ton charge placed in an inspection gallery at Ordunte. Some limited damage; repaired 1938-1939.
German colonial troops brutally suppress a rebellion by the Herero people of German South-West Africa (modern-day Namibia). General Lothar von Trotha pledges to exterminate the Herero people in what has become known as the Herero and Namaqua Genocide. The Germans drive ethnic Herero and Namaqua populations into the Namib desert leading to massive death from dehydration and starvation; they also reportedly poison desert water wells. Later, the UN estimates that up to 100,000 were killed, or 70% of the Herero…
Dynamiting of a canal reservoir in Paulding County, Ohio by a mob regarding it as a health hazard. State Militia called out to restore order.
Violence, including a murder, directed against agents of a land company that claims title to Reelfoot Lake in northwestern Tennessee who attempt to levy charges for fish taken and threaten to drain the lake for agriculture.
Drought in Texas in the early 1880s lead to growing disputes among ranch and land owners and cattlemen looking for access to grass and water for their stock. Cattlemen begin cutting fences to open access to water and pasture in what became known as the “Texas Fence Cutters Range War.” At least three men are killed in clashes between fence cutters and ranchmen during this period, until agreements are reached.
Union of South African troops capture Windhoek, capital of German Southwest Africa in May 1915. Retreating German troops poison wells – “a violation of the Hague convention.”
Arizona calls out the National Guard and militia units to the border with California to protest the construction of Parker Dam and diversions from the Colorado River; dispute ultimately is settled in court.
Partly successful attempt to destroy a lock on the Welland Canal in Ontario, Canada either by Fenians protesting English Policy in Ireland or by agents of Buffalo, NY grain handlers unhappy at the diversion of trade through the canal.