Qualities of Water – Basic 3 Basic Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

What is Water?

Water is a colorless, tasteless liquid that we need to stay alive. Every living thing needs water to survive.

Qualities of Good/Pure Water

Good water should be:

• Clear – no color, you can see through it
• Clean – no dirt or particles floating
• Odorless – has no bad smell
• Tasteless – has no strange taste
• Safe – free from germs and harmful things

Contamination of Water

Water becomes contaminated (dirty) when harmful things get into it:

• Dirt and mud from rain
• Germs from animals and waste
• Chemicals from factories
• Rubbish thrown by people
• Dead plants and animals

Dangers of Drinking Bad Water

Drinking dirty water can make us very sick:

• Stomach pain and diarrhea
• Vomiting and feeling weak
• Fever and headaches
• Cholera and typhoid diseases
• Worm infections in the stomach

How to Keep Water Clean

• Boil water before drinking
• Cover water containers
• Don’t throw rubbish in water sources
• Keep toilets away from water

Exercise 1:

1. Good water should be clear and _______
2. Name 2 things that make water dirty: _______, _______
3. What happens if you drink bad water? _______