In a novel like A Long Walk to Water, the reader is introduced to many conflicts throughout the story involving both the characters and the situations they encounter. I'll list five conflicts below that one could see as major steps in moving the plot forward:

1. The violent civil war taking place in South Sudan. A young Salva is forced to flee from his village during gunfire while he is sitting in school. Because of the political climate during 1985, the story is set in motion for Salva, who leaves his family, his friends, and his village behind.
2. The unpredictable and often dangerous setting. The characters are in constant conflict with their surroundings. For a great example, take when Salva loses his friend Marial to lions.
3. The struggle to survive when surrounded by death and tragedy. Salva is devastated to lose his uncle to the group of soldiers. This death makes Salva question himself and his quest to find his family. With constant pressure and danger, the tragic events of the story put the characters in a place where they are forced to make decisions and propel the plot.
4. A long way from home. Salva's return to Sudan is a major conflict in the story as well. Coupled with the conflict of the civil war, this makes journeying home difficult, even when he learns of his father still alive. The loneliness, the sadness, and the distance between where Salva is and where he wants to be is seen in many parts of the story.
5. Obvious to the title, the lack of clean water. Just look at Nya's storyline. Not having access to clean water is a major conflict in the story and gives Salva and Nya's storylines a chance to connect. With clean water, Nya could go to school and learn and not spend her days constantly fetching water.