CBSE Class 3 EVS Chapter 20: Drop By Drop NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 3 PDF

CBSE Class 3 Environmental Studies chapter 'Drop By Drop' explores the vital importance of water. The NCERT Solutions examine diverse sources of drinking water, from ponds and trains to unique rainwater harvesting systems like 'tankas'. It emphasizes the necessity of collecting and storing rainwater, explaining why filtered and covered water from tankas is safer to drink. The chapter also discusses various water collection techniques and provides practical tips for conserving water at home. A key focus is on water reuse, demonstrating how water used for one task can be repurposed for another, thus conserving this essential resource. These solutions aim to foster an understanding of water's significance and encourage responsible water usage habits, making them excellent for exam preparation.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 3
Subject	Environmental Studies
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	20. Drop By Drop

Chapter summary

Chapter 20, 'Drop By Drop', for Class 3 EVS focuses on water. The NCERT Solutions cover methods of fetching drinking water, the importance of rainwater harvesting through structures like tankas, and various water conservation techniques. It also explains the concept of reusing water for different purposes, providing practical examples and visual aids to reinforce learning. The exercises encourage students to think critically about water management and its significance in daily life.

Learning outcomes

Understand different sources of drinking water.
Learn about rainwater harvesting and its importance.
Identify methods for collecting and storing water.
Recognize the significance of water conservation.
Explore ways to reuse water for multiple purposes.
Appreciate the value of water in daily life.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Water sources
Drinking water
Water collection
Rainwater harvesting
Tankas
Water conservation
Water saving tips
Water reuse
Sustainable water usage
Environmental studies for Class 3

Important topics

Water sources and collection methods
Rainwater harvesting (Tankas)
Water conservation techniques
Reusing water for multiple purposes
Importance of water management

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

From where do the people in Madho's village fetch water for drinking?

Solution: In Madho's village, the residents primarily fetch their drinking water from a pond. This pond is located at a considerable distance from the village. Additionally, there are times when water is supplied via a train that transports it, and sometimes, they are permitted to collect water from a 'tanka', which is a traditional rainwater harvesting system.

Question 2

Who fetches water in Madho's house?

Solution: In Madho's household, the responsibility of fetching water is shared. Madho's sister and mother regularly go to the pond to collect water. Madho's father travels to fetch water using his camel-cart. Madho himself also contributes by fetching water from the 'tanka'.

Question 3

Water collected in the tanka is mostly used for drinking. Why?

Solution: The water collected in the 'tanka' is primarily used for drinking because it is a system designed for storing rainwater. The water is typically filtered before storage and the 'tanka' itself is kept covered. These measures ensure that the water remains clean and free from contamination, making it safe for consumption.

Question 4

Is rain water collected in your house as well?

Solution: In my house, rainwater is not collected. We rely on the municipal water supply for our daily needs.

Question 5

Can there be any other method of collecting water?

Solution: Yes, there are several other methods for collecting water. Water can be collected and stored in various containers such as buckets, drums, and larger tanks. Another effective method is by setting up rooftop water collection units, which channel rainwater from the roof into storage systems.

Question 6

Can you think of some other ways of saving water. Write your suggestions.

Solution: Here are some suggestions for saving water:

Always turn off the tap completely when not in use.
Avoid letting the tap run continuously while brushing your teeth or taking a bath.
Opt for taking a bath using a bucket instead of a shower, as showers can use a lot more water.
Use the water that remains after washing clothes to water plants in the garden.
Promptly repair any leaking pipes or taps to prevent water wastage.

Question 7

Can we use the water that has been used for one purpose for something else?

Solution: Yes, it is possible and advisable to reuse water that has already been used for one purpose for another suitable task. For instance, the water used for washing vegetables and clothes can be effectively utilized for watering plants in the garden. This same water can also be used for cleaning floors or mopping.

Question 8

Draw lines using different colours to show which work will be done after the other so that the same water can be reused. One example has been given.

Washing hands Washing clothes Washing fruits and face and vegetables

Mopping the Watering plants Using in floor the toilet

Solution: To illustrate how the same water can be reused, we can sequence the tasks from least to most contaminated. Here's a possible arrangement showing the reuse of water:

1. Washing fruits and vegetables

2. Washing clothes

3. Washing face and hands

4. Watering plants

5. Mopping the floor

6. Using in the toilet

This sequence shows how water, after being used for washing produce, can then be used for laundry, then for personal washing, followed by watering plants, cleaning floors, and finally for flushing toilets, maximizing its utility.

Common mistakes

Not understanding that different communities have different water sources.
Forgetting to consider the importance of covering and filtering water.
Not realizing that water can be reused for various tasks.
Overlooking simple water-saving tips like fixing leaks or turning off taps.

Revision tips

Review the different water sources mentioned in the chapter.
Understand the purpose and method of collecting water in tankas.
List and remember the ways to save water at home.
Practice identifying opportunities to reuse water for different tasks.
Discuss with family members how water is collected and used in your home.

Practice MCQs

Q1. In Madho's village, where do people primarily fetch drinking water from?

Q2. What is a 'tanka' primarily used for in the context of water collection?

Q3. Who fetches water in Madho's house according to the text?

Q4. Why is the water collected in a tanka mostly used for drinking?

Q5. Which of the following is a method of collecting water mentioned in the chapter?

Q6. What is a suggested way to save water while brushing teeth?

Q7. Water used for washing clothes can be reused for:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the 'Drop By Drop' chapter in Class 3 EVS?

The chapter focuses on the importance of water, where it comes from, how it is collected and stored (like in tankas), and practical ways to conserve and reuse water.

Where do people in Madho's village get their drinking water?

People in Madho's village fetch drinking water from a pond, sometimes from a train that carries water, or from a tanka.

Why is water collected in a tanka considered good for drinking?

The water collected in a tanka is mostly used for drinking because it is filtered and kept covered, which helps keep it clean.

What are some ways to save water at home mentioned in the solutions?

Some ways include not leaving taps running while brushing or bathing, taking bucket baths, using water from washing clothes for plants, and repairing any water leaks.

Can water be used for more than one purpose?

Yes, water can be reused. For example, water used for washing vegetables or clothes can be used to water plants or mop the floor.

How do these NCERT solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, explaining concepts like water collection, conservation, and reuse in an easy-to-understand manner, aiding exam preparation.

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