Every Drop Counts — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)
Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Learn about water and its conservation, then solve the practice set.
1. Why this chapter matters
Water is precious. Many parts of India, especially Rajasthan, face severe water shortages. This chapter teaches students about the importance of water conservation. It introduces traditional water-harvesting structures like stepwells (baolis), rainwater harvesting methods, and the wisdom of communities that have lived in dry regions for centuries. Every drop of water counts — wasting it is not an option.
2. Water availability on Earth
Most of the Earth is covered with water. But most of it is salt water and cannot be used for drinking or farming.
| Type of water | Percentage | Usable? |
|---|---|---|
| Salt water (oceans) | 97% | No |
| Fresh water (frozen in glaciers) | 2% | Hard to access |
| Fresh water (rivers, lakes, groundwater) | 1% | Yes — this is what we use |
Only 1% of all water on Earth is easily available for our use. That is why every drop counts.
3. Traditional water harvesting in India
India has a rich history of water conservation. Different regions developed different methods.
Rajasthan's traditional methods
| Structure | What it is |
|---|---|
| Stepwell (baoli) | A well with steps going down. Collects rainwater and groundwater. |
| Tanka (tank) | A covered underground tank that collects rainwater from rooftops. |
| Johad | A small earthen dam that collects rainwater. Used in villages. |
| Kunds | A covered tank with a small opening. Water stays cool and clean. |
Other Indian water structures
- Baolis (Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat): Stepwells with beautiful architecture.
- Kuls (Himachal Pradesh): Small canals that carry water from glaciers to fields.
- Eri (Tamil Nadu): Village tanks that collect rainwater.
- Ahar-Pyne (Bihar): A system of canals and reservoirs.
4. Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
Methods
- Rooftop harvesting: Rain falling on the roof is directed through pipes into a storage tank.
- Recharge pit: Rainwater is directed into a pit where it seeps into the ground, recharging groundwater.
- Surface runoff harvesting: Rainwater from fields or open areas is collected in ponds or tanks.
Why rainwater harvesting?
- Rainwater is free and clean.
- It reduces pressure on groundwater and rivers.
- It prevents flooding and soil erosion.
- It can be used for drinking (after filtration), gardening, and washing.
5. Water conservation at home
| Tip | How it saves water |
|---|---|
| Turn off the tap while brushing | Saves 10-15 litres per minute |
| Fix leaking taps | A dripping tap can waste 20 litres per day |
| Use a bucket instead of a shower | Saves 50-100 litres per bath |
| Water plants in the morning | Less water evaporates |
| Wash vegetables in a bowl, not running water | Save several litres |
| Reuse washing machine water for gardening | Saves hundreds of litres |
6. Activity corner
Activity 1: Check all taps in your house for leaks. Put a bucket under a dripping tap for one hour. Measure how much water drips. Calculate how much is wasted in a day.
Activity 2: Ask your grandparents about how water was collected and used when they were young. Were there different sources of water? Was there less or more water?
Activity 3: Design a simple rainwater harvesting system for your school or home. Draw a diagram and label all parts.
7. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking Earth has unlimited fresh water Fix: Only 1% of Earth's water is easily usable. We must conserve it.
- Mistake: Believing rainwater is dirty and cannot be used Fix: Rainwater is naturally clean. With simple filtration, it is safe for drinking.
- Mistake: Forgetting that water scarcity affects millions of people in India Fix: Many regions in India face severe water shortages. Conservation is essential.
8. Key facts
- Only 1% of Earth's water is fresh and usable.
- India has many traditional water-harvesting structures: stepwells, tankas, johads, kunds.
- Rainwater harvesting collects and stores rainwater for later use.
- Rajasthan's traditional water wisdom is world-famous.
- Small changes at home can save large amounts of water.
- Water scarcity is a serious problem in many parts of India.
9. Self-test
- How much of Earth's water is usable fresh water?
- What is a stepwell (baoli)?
- What is rainwater harvesting?
- Name two ways to save water at home.
- Why is Rajasthan known for traditional water harvesting?
10. Answer key
-
How much of Earth's water is usable fresh water? Answer: Only about 1% is easily usable fresh water.
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What is a stepwell (baoli)? Answer: A stepwell is a well with steps going down, built to collect rainwater and access groundwater.
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What is rainwater harvesting? Answer: Rainwater harvesting is collecting and storing rainwater for later use instead of letting it run off.
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Name two ways to save water at home. Answer: Turn off the tap while brushing, fix leaking taps, use a bucket instead of a shower (any two).
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Why is Rajasthan known for traditional water harvesting? Answer: Rajasthan is a dry state with little rainfall. Over centuries, people developed clever methods like stepwells, tankas, and johads to collect and store every drop of water.
11. Quick revision
- Only 1% of Earth's water is usable. Conserve it.
- Traditional Indian water structures: stepwells, tankas, johads.
- Rainwater harvesting: collect and store rainwater.
- Rajasthan: water wisdom in a dry region.
- Small daily habits save large amounts of water.
- Water scarcity is a serious issue — use water responsibly.
- Every drop counts — do not waste water.
