When people say water is considered a "strategic" resource, what do they imply?

Question

When people say water is considered a "strategic" resource, what do they imply?

Answer 1

Water is high on the list of things required to live.  Particularly fresh water.  Its used for drinking, transportation, and entertainment.

This is why most major cities throughout the world are located on some large body of water or have nearby access to one.

Answer 2

That means long term - in the business and/or other planning sense. When they plan with the resources in mind - in this case water - they are planning for more than 5 years down the road.

E.g. The land to built the hotel on is a strategic investment.

Or

I want to invest in stocks with strategic returns.