CBSE Class 4 EVS Chapter 18: Too Much Water Too Little Water NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 4 PDF

This chapter, 'Too Much Water Too Little Water' for CBSE Class 4 Environmental Studies, delves into the critical issues surrounding water availability and quality. Students will explore the consequences of drinking unclean water, understand the reasons behind water shortages and contamination, and learn about various methods to purify water. The solutions cover discussions on personal experiences with water scarcity and pollution, the importance of safe drinking water, and the contrast between water availability in different settings like water parks and villages. Through these exercises, students will develop a deeper appreciation for water conservation and hygiene, reinforcing their understanding of environmental responsibility. These NCERT Solutions are designed to help students grasp these concepts effectively and prepare for their exams by providing clear explanations and engaging discussions.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 4
Subject	Environmental Studies
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	18. Too Much Water Too Little Water

Chapter summary

Chapter 18 of the Class 4 EVS syllabus focuses on the dual problems of water scarcity and water pollution. The NCERT Solutions provided here address key questions about the health impacts of contaminated water, reasons for water shortages, and practical methods for water purification like boiling and filtering. It also touches upon the disparity in water access and encourages discussion on responsible water usage.

Learning outcomes

Understand the health risks associated with consuming unclean water.
Identify common causes of water contamination and shortage.
Learn and describe various methods for purifying drinking water.
Discuss the importance of water conservation and equitable water distribution.
Relate personal experiences with water scarcity and pollution.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Water Pollution
Water Scarcity
Health Impacts of Dirty Water
Water Purification Methods
Boiling Water
Filtering Water
Alum and Chlorine Tablets
Water Distribution Issues
Water Conservation
Safe Drinking Water

Important topics

Health impacts of drinking unclean water
Methods to purify water (boiling, filtering, alum, chlorine)
Causes of water contamination
The problem of water scarcity
Responsible use of water

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

How can unclean or dirty water harm our body?

Solution: Unclean or dirty water contains harmful germs, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. When we drink such water, these harmful substances enter our body and can cause various diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, and jaundice. These illnesses can make us feel weak, sick, and can sometimes be very serious.

Question 2

Have you ever got dirty or unclean water in your area? What was the reason for this?

Solution: Yes, sometimes dirty or unclean water has come in our area. This often happens when there is a leakage in the underground water pipelines. During heavy rains or due to damage, sewage or dirty water from the surroundings can seep into the pipelines and mix with the clean water supply, making it dirty.

Question 3

Do you know anyone who has fallen sick because of such water? Talk about this.

Solution: Yes, I know some people who have fallen sick because of drinking contaminated water. For example, one of my friends became very ill with stomach problems after drinking water that was supplied to our locality during a period when the water quality was poor.

Question 4

When the guest came to Suguna's house, they offered him a cold drink, because they thought he should not drink such water. What do you think Suguna's family must be doing for their own drinking water?

Solution: Suguna's family likely takes precautions to ensure their drinking water is safe. They probably boil the water to kill germs or use other methods like filtering or using water purifiers to make it clean and suitable for drinking, especially if they suspect the tap water might not be safe.

Question 5

The guest said he did not take cold drinks. Why do you think he said this?

Solution: The guest might have refused the cold drink because he was concerned about his health. Many cold drinks contain a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients, which can be unhealthy if consumed regularly. He might prefer safer, healthier options like plain water, especially if he was unsure about the water quality at Suguna's house.

Question 6

Have you ever faced a shortage of water in your house? When?

Solution: Yes, we have faced a shortage of water in our house on several occasions. This usually happens when the regular water supply from the municipality is disrupted due to maintenance work, pipeline bursts, or sometimes during very dry seasons when the water sources are low.

Question 7

What did you do then?

Solution: When there is a shortage of water, we have to manage with the water we have stored. If the shortage is prolonged, we might have to arrange for water from other sources, such as buying water from private water tankers or collecting water from community taps if available.

Question 8

Have you ever played in water? Where and when?

Solution: Yes, I have played in water many times. For instance, when I visit my grandparents in the village, we often play in the river water during the summer holidays. Sometimes, we also play with water during festivals like Holi or in rain puddles when it rains heavily.

Question 9

Are there times when you are not allowed to play in water? What are the reasons for this?

Solution: Yes, there are times when we are not allowed to play in water. For example, during the cold winter season, playing in cold water can make us sick. Also, if the water is very deep or dirty, parents usually prohibit playing in it to ensure our safety and prevent health issues.

Question 10

The water park had a lot of water to play in, but the nearby village did not have water even to drink. Discuss.

Solution: This situation highlights a major problem of unequal water distribution. Water parks are often run as commercial businesses, and they ensure a plentiful supply of water for entertainment, sometimes drawing from large sources. In contrast, nearby villages might suffer from a lack of basic drinking water due to inadequate government supply, poor infrastructure, or depletion of local water sources, showing a stark contrast between luxury use and essential need.

Question 11

If you go to a water park, find out from where the water comes to the park.

Solution: Water parks typically get their water supply from various sources. This can include municipal water connections, borewells that tap into underground water, or sometimes large storage tanks that are filled and replenished regularly. The water is then treated and circulated throughout the park's attractions.

Question 12

Why was Raziya worried when she read the newspaper?

Solution: Raziya was worried because the newspaper article reported that the water supply in her area had become contaminated. The news stated that water from the gutter had mixed with the water in the pipes, making the tap water dirty and unsafe to drink.

Question 13

Raziya asked that all the water that was filled the previous day should be thrown. Could this water have been used for something else? What kind of things?

Solution: Yes, the water that Raziya suggested throwing away could have been used for other purposes. Even if it wasn't safe for drinking after being filled the previous day, it could still be used for non-potable tasks such as washing clothes, cleaning vehicles, mopping floors, or watering plants and gardens.

Question 14

In what way did she plan to clean the water?

Solution: Raziya planned to clean the water by boiling it. Boiling is an effective method to kill harmful germs and make the water safe for drinking.

Question 15

Do you know of different ways to clean the water? Describe them.

Solution: Yes, there are several ways to clean water. Boiling is a very effective method to kill germs. Filtering water through a clean cloth or a water filter removes visible impurities. Sometimes, substances like alum are added to water to help settle down the dirt particles, and chlorine tablets can be used to disinfect the water by killing harmful microorganisms.

Question 16

Suppose, Raziya had not read the news and everyone had drunk the water without boiling it, what could have happened?

Solution: If Raziya had not read the news and people had drunk the contaminated water without boiling it, most of them could have fallen sick. Drinking water mixed with gutter water can spread diseases like stomach infections, diarrhoea, and typhoid, leading to widespread illness in the community.

Question 17

Where Deepak lives, everyone has to stand in a queue to fill water from the common public tap. In Raziya's house, water comes all day in the tap. Why is this?

Solution: This difference occurs due to varying living conditions and infrastructure. Deepak likely lives in an area with limited water supply, possibly a slum, where water is available only for short periods, requiring people to queue up. Raziya, on the other hand, seems to live in an area with a more consistent water supply, possibly from an overhead tank that fills throughout the day, ensuring water is available whenever needed.

Question 18

Raziya read news about the water in the newspaper. Have you read any news about water in the newspapers? What kind of news?

Solution: Yes, I have read news about water in newspapers. The news often covers topics like water scarcity during summer, the importance of rainwater harvesting, reports on water pollution in rivers and lakes, government initiatives for providing clean drinking water, or sometimes news about floods and droughts.

Common mistakes

Not understanding that boiling is a primary method to kill germs in water.
Confusing the causes of water contamination (e.g., mixing with sewage).
Not considering alternative uses for water that might otherwise be discarded.
Underestimating the importance of clean water for health.

Revision tips

Review the different methods of water purification discussed.
Think about your own experiences with water shortage or pollution.
Discuss the 'Discuss' questions with friends or family to deepen understanding.
Focus on the health impacts of dirty water as highlighted in the solutions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What can happen if we drink dirty or unclean water?

Q2. Which of the following is a common reason for water contamination in pipelines?

Q3. What is a simple method to clean water at home to make it safe for drinking?

Q4. Raziya planned to throw away water filled the previous day. What else could this water be used for?

Q5. Why might a guest refuse a cold drink?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main health problems caused by drinking dirty water?

Drinking dirty or unclean water can lead to various diseases and health problems because it may contain harmful germs, bacteria, and other contaminants.

What are some ways to clean water at home?

Common methods to clean water at home include boiling it, filtering it through a clean cloth or filter, and sometimes using substances like alum or chlorine tablets.

Why is it important to discuss water issues like scarcity and pollution?

Discussing these issues helps us understand the importance of clean water, learn about the problems faced by others, and think about ways to conserve water and prevent pollution.

Can water that was filled yesterday be used for anything if it's not clean enough to drink?

Yes, water that is not suitable for drinking might still be useful for other purposes like washing clothes, cleaning utensils, watering plants, or washing vehicles.

What is the difference between water availability in a water park and a village?

Water parks often have abundant water for recreation, sometimes supplied by private authorities, while nearby villages might face severe shortages of even drinking water due to issues like poor government management or infrastructure.

Why did Raziya worry when she read the newspaper?

Raziya was worried because the newspaper reported that the water supply had become dirty and unclean due to contamination, possibly from sewage mixing with the water pipes.

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