CBSE Class 5 Environmental Studies NCERT Solutions: Every Drop Counts

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 5 PDF

This chapter, 'Every Drop Counts,' for CBSE Class 5 Environmental Studies, delves into the critical importance of water and its management. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed answers to questions exploring various aspects of water, from rainwater harvesting and its path to storage tanks, to the historical methods of water collection and the current challenges of water scarcity. Students will learn about traditional water sources like wells and stepwells, understand the reasons behind drying wells, and discuss the equitable distribution of water. The solutions also touch upon modern water supply systems and the ethical considerations of water usage. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the concepts of water conservation and appreciate the value of every drop, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and thought-provoking discussions.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 5
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter6 Every Drop Counts

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, 'Every Drop Counts,' focuses on water conservation and management. The NCERT Solutions cover topics such as rainwater harvesting, the journey of water from roofs to storage, historical water systems like stepwells, and the reasons for water scarcity. It encourages discussion on equitable water access and responsible water usage, providing answers to textbook questions that explore students' surroundings and their understanding of water sources and their preservation.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the importance of water conservation.
  • Identify different sources of water in their surroundings.
  • Explain the process of rainwater harvesting.
  • Discuss historical and modern methods of water management.
  • Analyze the causes of water scarcity.
  • Appreciate the need for equitable water distribution.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Water Sources
  • Rainwater Harvesting
  • Water Storage
  • Stepwells
  • Wells
  • Water Scarcity
  • Water Management
  • Traditional Water Systems
  • Modern Water Supply
  • Equitable Water Distribution

Important topics

  • Importance of Water Conservation
  • Rainwater Harvesting Methods
  • Causes of Water Scarcity
  • Historical Water Structures (Stepwells, Wells)
  • Equitable Access to Water

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Questions and Solutions

Think and Find Out - Question 1

Look at the area around your school. Are there any fields, farms, pucca roads, drains, etc. Is the area sloping, rocky or flat? Think, what will happen here when it rains? Where will the rain water go-into the drains, pipes or pits? Is some water also getting soaked into the soil?
Solution: Observing the area around my school, I can see fields, pucca roads, and drains. The ground is somewhat sloping. When it rains heavily, the rainwater flows into the drains. Some of it might also seep into the soil, especially in the fields or unpaved areas. In a sloping area, water tends to run off more quickly into the drainage system or lower ground.

Think and Find Out - Question 2

How do you think the rainwater that falls on the roof will reach the underground tank? Draw the path.
Solution: Rainwater that falls on the roof is usually channelled through a system of pipes. These pipes are connected to the roof's edges or gutters and direct the water downwards. This network of pipes then carries the collected rainwater to an underground storage tank. The path would involve the water flowing from the roof surface into gutters, then down through vertical pipes, and finally into the underground tank.

Think and Find Out - Question 3

Have you ever faced a shortage of water in your area? If yes, then what was the reason for it?
Solution: Yes, there have been instances of water shortage in my area. A common reason for this is an erratic or insufficient supply from the municipal water board (Jal Board). Sometimes, maintenance work on the main pipelines or a general increase in demand during hot weather can also lead to temporary shortages.

Think and Find Out - Question 4

Talk to your grandmother or any elderly person. Find out, when they were of your age. From where did they get water for the house? Has there been a change now?
Solution: When my grandmother was young, people in her village primarily got water from sources like nearby rivers, ponds, traditional wells, or hand pumps that tapped into underground water. Nowadays, the situation has changed significantly. Most homes receive water through a piped supply system managed by the 'Jal Board' or municipal authorities, although in some rural or less developed areas, traditional sources might still be in use.

Think and Find Out - Question 5

What kind of water arrangements were made for travellers—for example piau, mashak (leather bag) or any other? Now what do people do about water when they travel?
Solution: In the past, travellers were often provided with water through arrangements like 'piaus', which were public water stations, often built by kings or wealthy individuals, offering free drinking water. Water was also carried in 'mashaks', which are traditional leather bags designed to hold and transport water. Today, when people travel, they commonly carry bottled water purchased from shops or carry their own reusable water bottles that they refill along their journey.

Find Out - Question 1

Is there a lake, well or stepwell near your house or school? Visit it and find out more about it. How old is it? Who got it built?
Solution: Yes, near my house, there is a large pond which is quite old. According to local information, it is estimated to be over a hundred years old. It is believed to have been constructed during the period of a local king, possibly as a public water source or for irrigation.

Find Out - Question 2

What kind of buildings are around it?
Solution: Around the pond, there are remnants of old structures, possibly part of an old palace or administrative buildings from the time it was built. In addition to these historical ruins, there are also many modern houses that have been built in the vicinity over the years.

Find Out - Question 3

Is the water clean? Is it cleaned regularly?
Solution: Unfortunately, the water in the pond is not clean. It appears quite dirty, likely due to pollution from surrounding areas and lack of proper waste management. I have never observed any regular cleaning or maintenance activities being carried out for the pond.

Find Out - Question 4

Who all use the water?
Solution: The water from the pond is used by some members of the community, particularly washermen who utilize it for washing clothes. Additionally, cattle herders often bring their animals to the pond for bathing and drinking.

Find Out - Question 5

Is there any festival celebrated at this place?
Solution: Yes, there is a local festival that is celebrated annually at the pond. This festival often involves a boating event, making the pond a focal point for community celebration during that time.

Find Out - Question 6

Is there any water today or is it dry?
Solution: Currently, the pond is full of water. This indicates that it receives sufficient water, likely from rainfall or other local sources, to remain filled throughout the year or during the current season.

Discuss - Question 1

There are two old wells in the area where Punita lives. Her grandmother says that about fifteen-twenty years ago there was water in these wells. The wells could have dried up because: Water is being pumped up from under the ground, with the help of electric motors. The lakes in which rain water used to collect are no longer there. The soil around trees and parks is now covered with cement. Is there some other reason for this? Explain.
Solution: Besides the reasons mentioned, other factors could contribute to the wells drying up. One significant reason is the cutting down of trees in the surrounding area, as trees help in retaining soil moisture and recharging groundwater. Another reason could be that the wells themselves are not being properly maintained or desilted, leading to reduced capacity or blockage. Changes in rainfall patterns, such as prolonged droughts, can also cause groundwater levels to drop significantly.

The Story Today - Question 1

Let us see the different ways in which the people manage water today. See the picture and discuss. Do you get water hat. If you get win your house by any of these ways? Put a tick (right) on water by some other way, write in your notebook.
Solution: People manage water today through various methods. In many urban areas, water is supplied by a 'Jal Board' or similar municipal authority through pipelines. Some households use electric motors connected to these supply lines to pump water into rooftop tanks for storage. In other areas, especially slums, water might be supplied by tankers. In villages, hand pumps drawing underground water are common, and some people might still fetch water from nearby canals or rivers. My house gets water from the Jal Board, and we use a motor to store it in the rooftop tank.

Discuss - Question 1

Everyone has the right to live. Yet, is everybody getting enough water to live or even water to drink? Why is it that some people have to buy drinking water? Should it be like this? Water on this earth is for one and all. Some people draw out water from the ground by deep borewells. How far is it correct? Have you ever seen this? Why do some people put a pump directly in the Jal Board pipe line? What problems would other people face due to this? Do you have any such experience?
Solution: It is a concerning reality that not everyone has access to sufficient water, even for basic drinking needs. The need for some people to buy drinking water highlights a significant issue of water scarcity and unequal distribution. This situation should not exist, as water is a fundamental resource for all life. Drilling deep borewells to extract groundwater can be problematic if not regulated, as it can deplete the water table for the entire community. Similarly, some individuals illegally connect pumps directly to the Jal Board pipelines. This practice deprives other residents in the area of their rightful share of water, leading to shortages and inconsistent supply for them. I have observed this practice in my locality, where some houses have constant water supply due to direct pumping, while others face frequent shortages.

Common mistakes

  • Not considering all possible reasons for water scarcity.
  • Overlooking the importance of traditional water structures.
  • Failing to connect local water issues to broader conservation needs.
  • Not understanding the impact of human activities on water availability.

Revision tips

  • Draw diagrams to illustrate rainwater harvesting paths.
  • Discuss with elders about past water availability and compare with the present.
  • List different ways water is managed in your locality.
  • Think about how to save water in daily life.
  • Understand the reasons why wells might dry up.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is a traditional structure for storing water, often with steps leading down to it?

Q2. Which of the following is a reason why wells might dry up?

Q3. What is 'Jal Board' likely referring to in the context of water supply?

Q4. Why might some people have to buy drinking water?

Q5. What is a 'mashak' mentioned in the text?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the 'Every Drop Counts' chapter for Class 5 EVS?

The chapter focuses on the importance of water, how it is managed, historical and modern water conservation methods, and the issue of water scarcity.

How does rainwater harvesting work, according to the chapter?

Rainwater falling on roofs is collected and directed through pipes into underground tanks for storage.

What are some traditional ways people got water?

Historically, people got water from rivers, ponds, wells, stepwells, and hand pumps. Kings and merchants also built 'piaus' for travellers.

Why is water scarcity a problem?

Water scarcity occurs when demand exceeds supply, often due to factors like erratic rainfall, increased pumping, loss of traditional water bodies, and urbanization, leading to difficulties in accessing enough water for daily needs.

What does the chapter say about buying drinking water?

The chapter suggests that it is unfair that some people have to buy drinking water, emphasizing that water is a resource for everyone and should be accessible.

How can these NCERT solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand concepts like water management, conservation, and the reasons behind water scarcity, which is beneficial for their studies and exams.

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