NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 18 — Too Much Water, Too Little Water
Chapter 18, "What to Drink?" from the NCERT Class 4 EVS textbook "Looking Around," explores the critical issue of water quality and availability. The chapter begins with a scenario in Nallamada, Andhra Pradesh, where a guest refuses a cold drink, highlighting concerns about the local drinking water's cleanliness. It prompts discussions on how unclean water can harm the body, the reasons for water contamination, and the health consequences. The chapter also touches upon the guest's refusal of cold drinks, suggesting potential health reasons. It then shifts to a contrasting scenario in Bazaar Gaon, Maharashtra, describing a water park with fountains, rides, and ponds, illustrating a different relationship with water, one of recreation and fun. This chapter aims to make young learners aware of the importance of safe drinking water and the diverse ways water is used and experienced.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 18 — Too Much Water, Too Little Water |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 201 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of clean drinking water.
- Identify potential harms of drinking unclean water.
- Discuss reasons for water contamination.
- Recognize different ways water is used in daily life and for recreation.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| visitor | a person who comes to see someone or something |
| guest | a person who is visiting someone |
| cold drink | a beverage that is chilled, often sweet and carbonated |
| unclean | not clean; dirty |
| harm | to damage or injure |
| contaminate | to make something impure or polluted |
| water park | a place with water-based attractions like slides and pools |
| fountains | structures from which water is ejected upwards |
| hose | a flexible tube used to convey fluid, typically water |
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Practice questions
- Why did the guest in Suguna's house refuse the cold drink? Answer: The guest likely refused the cold drink because he preferred water and possibly because he did not want to consume sugary or processed beverages.
- What are the potential dangers of drinking unclean water? Answer: Unclean water can cause sickness and harm our bodies by spreading diseases.
- What is a water park? Answer: A water park is a place with many water attractions like rides, fountains, and pools for recreation.
- What did Suguna's father say about their drinking water? Answer: Suguna's father said that the water was not fit for drinking, it did not look clean, and they had no choice but to drink it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concern raised in the Nallamada scenario?
The main concern is that the local drinking water is not clean and not fit for consumption.
Why might someone avoid cold drinks, as mentioned in the chapter?
People might avoid cold drinks due to health concerns, preferring healthier options like water, or avoiding sugary beverages.
What are the potential consequences of drinking dirty water?
Drinking dirty or unclean water can lead to falling sick and harming the body.
What kind of place is described in the Bazaar Gaon section?
The Bazaar Gaon section describes a water park with many water fountains, rides, and ponds.
What does the chapter suggest about the availability of clean water in Nallamada?
It suggests that clean drinking water is scarce, and people have no choice but to drink the available, albeit unclean, water.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 18 — Too Much Water, Too Little Water. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.