Water: Sources and Saving Water: Class 3 Study Guide
Water is needed by every plant, animal and person. Only a small part of the Earth's water is fresh water we can drink.
We use water to drink, cook, wash, grow crops and keep our towns clean. Water comes from many sources: rain, rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, tube wells (hand pumps), springs and, in some places, water from melting snow high in the mountains. Rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari carry water across large parts of India.
Although most of the Earth is covered by water, most of it is salty sea water. The fresh water that we can use is only a small part, so we must use it wisely.
The water cycle in brief
The Sun warms water in seas, rivers and lakes. Some water changes into invisible water vapour and rises. High in the sky, it cools and forms tiny droplets that make clouds. When the droplets get heavy, they fall as rain. Rain flows into rivers and the ground and the cycle begins again.
The Sun's heat turns water into vapour.
Vapour cools and forms clouds.
Water falls from the clouds.
Water gathers in rivers, lakes and underground.
Making water safe to drink
Water from rivers and ponds can carry germs. In cities it is cleaned at a treatment plant and sent through pipes. At home we can boil water for several minutes, filter it with a clean cloth or filter, or use a water purifier. Never drink water from an unknown source. Drinking dirty water can cause stomach illnesses.
Saving water
Small actions add up to big savings.
| Habit | How it saves water |
|---|---|
| Turn off the tap while brushing | Saves many litres every day |
| Use a bucket and mug to bathe | Uses less than a long shower |
| Fix dripping taps | A drip wastes lots of water over a day |
| Reuse water used to wash vegetables for plants | Gives water a second use |
| Collect rainwater | Gives extra water for gardens and cleaning |
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Name two sources of water found underground. Wells and tube wells. Example: Why do we boil water? To kill germs. A common mistake is to think clear water is always clean; it may still hold germs you cannot see. Another is to leave taps running because there is lots of water in the sea. Sea water is salty and cannot be drunk or used for crops without special treatment.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Drinking, cooking, bathing and washing clothes. 2. Your drawing should show evaporation, cloud formation (condensation), rain and collection in rivers. 3. Three tips: turn the tap off while brushing, fix leaks, and reuse water for plants.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Water comes from rain, rivers, lakes, wells and other sources.
- The water cycle moves water between the Earth and the sky.
- Boil or filter water before drinking.
- Everyone can save water with small habits.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- List four ways you use water in a day.
- Draw and label the water cycle.
- Make a poster with three tips for saving water at school.
Print a science observation log →