Too Much Water, Too Little Water Class 4 Notes EVS Chapter 18

What to Drink?

• In a village called Nallamada in Andhra Pradesh, Suguna was reading her book when she heard someone at the door. It was a visitor from the city. 
• Suguna's father welcomed the guest and offered him a cold drink, but the guest politely refused and asked for a glass of water instead. Suguna's father explained that the water in their village wasn't clean and safe to drink, so it would be better for the guest not to drink it. 
• He mentioned that they didn't have any other choice but to drink the contaminated water themselves.

Contaminated Water is Harmful to Drink

• This story shows that some families in certain areas, like Nallamada, don't have access to clean drinking water. They have to drink contaminated water because they don't have any other option. This problem is common in some places because the authorities responsible for providing clean water don't pay enough attention to water treatment and supply.

Contaminated water is water that is dirty or unsafe to drink because it contains harmful substances or germs. When water gets contaminated, it means that something has made it impure or dirty, which can make people sick if they drink it or use it for cooking or bathing.

Water Games

• In Bazaar Gaon, Maharashtra, there is a big water park where Rohan and Reena went with their parents. They saw many fun water rides and fountains in the park. 

• They were having a great time until they heard loud noises from outside the park. When they went to see, they found a crowd of people carrying empty buckets and pots. These people were upset because their wells had no water, and the tanker that usually brought them water hadn't come that day.
• This situation shows an irony - while there is plenty of water for fun and enjoyment in the water park, the people living nearby don't have enough water even for their basic needs. They rely on tanker supplies, which are irregular. So, while some people are enjoying water rides, others are struggling to get water to drink and use in their homes.

Can We Drink This? 

• In Cuffe Parade, Mumbai, there is a tall building where Deepak and his mother went to visit Raziya Madam's house. Raziya Madam's house was clean and quiet, and Deepak enjoyed watching cartoons on TV there. 
• While they were there, Raziya Madam read in the newspaper that the water pipes in their area had gotten mixed up with the gutter water, making many people sick with diarrhea and vomiting. 

• She advised Deepak's mother, Pushpa, to throw away the water they had and boil fresh water for drinking. Deepak was happy because he wouldn't have to stand in long lines to get water for their house that day.
• This incident shows that even in big cities like Mumbai, there can be problems with water contamination, especially in areas where high-rise buildings are close to slums. It's important to be careful about the water we drink to avoid getting sick.

Dealing with Diarrhoea and Vomiting

• When experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting, it's important to replenish the lost fluids in our body.
• Drink plenty of water mixed with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar to help replace lost electrolytes. Water should be sipped slowly, and the solution should not taste saltier than tears.
• Consume light foods and continue breastfeeding for babies, as it is beneficial for them.
• If symptoms persist, seek medical advice and consider home remedies or prescribed medicines.

Diseases Caused by Contaminated Water

• Contaminated water can lead to various diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.
• Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe dehydration and diarrhoea.
• Diarrhoea is characterized by loose and watery stools, and it can lead to dehydration if not managed properly.

Precautions for Dealing with Contaminated Water

• Replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of water and using oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
• Consume light foods and avoid heavy meals.
• Seek medical advice if diarrhoea persists or worsens.
• Use ORS, which involves drinking water mixed with sugar and salts to prevent dehydration.
• Consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Children Show the Way

• In the Holgundi area of Karnataka, water scarcity was a common problem, especially during the past three years due to inadequate rainfall.
• This scarcity affected various aspects of life, including drinking water, farming, and livestock.
• The village panchayat, including children members known as Bhima Sangh, took the initiative to address the water crisis.
• They learned about a water tank on the hill that used to provide water and greenery to the village in the past.
• The Bhima Sangh decided to restore the tank by cleaning it, repairing cracks, and planting grass and trees around it.
• Additionally, they constructed a small dam on the slope to prevent soil erosion caused by rainwater runoff.
• With their efforts and collaboration with experts, the tank gradually filled up during the rainy season, supporting fish and vegetation growth.
• Over time, the water situation improved, and the village wells and ponds began to replenish.
• Thanks to the dedication of the Bhima Sangh, the village residents no longer had to leave for work, and greenery returned to the area.
• The success of the Bhima Sangh inspired more children to join and contribute to finding solutions for community challenges.