1.21 Conservation of water

Natural sciences

Grade 4

Life and way of living

Module 22

Conservation of water

How people conserved water over time [lo 3.1]

Many people in our country do not have running water available in their homes. Find out what people in your vicinity have to do to get water for use in the home.

Over time, people have thought up a number of ways to conserve water safely.

Use the guiding words and refer to the illustrations to write proper sentences about this.

Tanks: rain water, roofs, gutters

Dams: cement, ground, irrigation

Municipal storage dams: towns, cities, water for drinking

People who do not have running water in their homes, have to devise ways of getting water. Sometimes they use river water, which they have to collect in buckets and carry to their homes. They also wash their clothes in the river.

Sometimes river water is stored in reservoirs. This is not necessarily safe as the water may contain dangerous substances. Therefore it is treated at a water purification plant where soil and plant particles are removed and chlorine is added to destroy germs.

Think of five ways to conserve water. Write your ideas here:

Design a bumper sticker with the slogan: Count every drop because every drop counts.

Remember to conserve water, but also to take care of your health by washing your hands before you eat and after you have used the toilet.

Assessment

LEARNING OUTCOME 3: SCIENCE, SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENTThe learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between science and technology, society and the environment.

ASSESSMENT STANDARDS: WE KNOW THIS WHEN THE LEARNER

• understands science and technology in the context of history and personal knowledge.

Memorandum

Conservation Of Water

Storage tanks: We can use tanks to catch rainwater that runs off the roof along the gutters when it rains.

Dams: Water can be collected and stored in cement or ground dams and used for irrigation.

Municipal storage dams: The water for towns and cities are supplied from these.

Ways to conserve water

• Prevent taps from leaking.
• Water the garden in the early morning or evening.
• Do not keep the tap running while you are brushing your teeth.
• Do not keep the tap running while you are washing your hands.
• Drink water from a glass, not from the tap or your hand.

Reduce the amount of water in which you bath, take a shorter shower.