Class 5 EVS Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life – Complete Summary EVS Notes
Class 5 EVS Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life – Complete Summary
Chapter 1: Water — The Essence of Life
(NCERT Class 5 EVS Book)
1. Introduction – Why Water is Important
- Water is essential for all living beings—humans, animals, and plants.
- Every activity of life — drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, bathing, farming, and industries — needs water.
- Without water, life cannot exist on Earth.
- That’s why it is rightly called the “Essence of Life.”
2. Where Do We Find Water on Earth
- Around three-fourths of Earth is covered with water.
- However, most of it is salty (in seas and oceans) and not fit for drinking.
- Fresh water is found in:
- Rivers and lakes
- Ponds
- Groundwater (wells, borewells, handpumps)
- Glaciers and ice caps
- Out of all the water on Earth, only about 3% is fresh water.
- So we must use it carefully and avoid wastage.
3. Forms of Water
Water exists in three main forms:
| Form | State | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | Ice, snow | Found on mountains or in refrigerators |
| Liquid | Water | Rivers, lakes, ponds, rain |
| Gas | Water vapour | Clouds, steam |
- These forms change from one to another with temperature changes:
- Ice → melts → Water
- Water → evaporates → Vapour
- Vapour → cools → Condenses → Water drops
4. The Water Cycle
Definition:
The continuous movement of water around the Earth through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is called the Water Cycle.
Steps:
- Evaporation – The Sun heats water in oceans, rivers, and ponds. Water turns into vapour and rises.
- Condensation – Vapour cools high in the sky and forms clouds.
- Precipitation – When clouds become heavy, water falls as rain, snow, or hail.
- Collection – Rainwater collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some seeps underground to become groundwater.
This cycle repeats again and again.
It helps maintain the amount of water on Earth.
5. Surface Water and Groundwater
Surface Water
- Found on the surface of the Earth.
- Examples: Rivers, ponds, lakes, seas.
- Used for drinking, farming, industry, and transport.
Groundwater
- When it rains, some water seeps into the soil and collects below the ground.
- This is called groundwater.
- It is taken out using wells, handpumps, or borewells.
- If we waste water, the groundwater level goes down.
6. River and Its Journey
- Rivers usually start from mountains or hills where melted snow or rainwater collects.
- They flow downwards following the slope of the land.
- As they flow, rivers erode soil and carry it along.
- When they reach plains, the flow slows down and deposits soil, making the land fertile.
- Rivers finally join the sea or ocean.
Fun Fact:
Rivers form lakes, waterfalls, and deltas during their journey.
7. Life in Water
Water bodies are home to many living beings.
Aquatic Plants
- Some float on water (lotus, water hyacinth).
- Some grow under water (hydrilla).
- Some stay partly in and partly out (reed, cattail).
Aquatic Animals
- Fish, frogs, crabs, turtles, and water birds live in or near water.
- These organisms are part of a food chain in the water ecosystem.
8. Uses of Water
Water is used for:
- Drinking and cooking
- Bathing and washing clothes
- Growing crops and gardening
- Generating electricity (hydropower)
- Industrial uses
- Transportation (boats, ships)
9. Problems Related to Water
- Many rivers and ponds are getting polluted due to dumping of garbage and chemicals.
- Wastage of water in households and factories increases scarcity.
- Deforestation and cemented surfaces stop rainwater from going underground, lowering groundwater levels.
- Some places face floods, others droughts.
10. Conservation of Water
We must save and protect our water resources.
Ways to Save Water
- Turn off taps properly.
- Use a bucket instead of a shower.
- Reuse leftover water for plants.
- Harvest rainwater — collect and store it.
- Avoid pollution — do not throw waste into water.
- Plant trees to help water seep into the ground.
Remember:
“Every Drop Counts!”
Key Terms
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Evaporation | Process of water changing into vapour |
| Condensation | Vapour turning back into water drops |
| Precipitation | Rain, snow, or hail falling from clouds |
| Groundwater | Water stored under the ground |
| Water cycle | Continuous movement of water around Earth |
Short Question Answers
Q1. Why is water called the essence of life?
Answer: Because all living things need water to survive and carry out daily activities.
Q2. What are the three forms of water?
Answer: Solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour).
Q3. What is the water cycle?
Answer: The continuous process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of water on Earth.
Q4. What is groundwater?
Answer: Water stored under the Earth’s surface that we get from wells or handpumps.
Q5. Name two ways to save water.
Answer: Turn off taps properly and harvest rainwater.
Short Summary
- Water covers most of the Earth but only a small part is fresh and usable.
- It changes form and keeps moving through the water cycle.
- Rivers bring water to people, animals, and crops.
- Living beings in water form a unique ecosystem.
- We must conserve water and keep it clean for future generations.