NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 13 Wastewater Story

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 13 Wastewater Story

Shivani PooniaUpdated on 15 May 2025, 10:05 AM IST

Water is essential for all life forms and is basic to our survival. So, it is highly important to use water wisely and avoid wasting it. Chapter 13 of the Class 7 Science textbook, titled “Wastewater Story,” will help students understand how water gets polluted and how it can be cleaned before being released back into nature. The chapter answers important questions like- What is sewage? How is dirty water treated to make it safe again? It also introduces important concepts like aeration, sewage treatment, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, biogas, and how wastewater can be recycled and reused.

This Story also Contains

  1. Download PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 13
  2. NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Wastewater Story Exercise:
  3. Wastewater Story Class 7 Science Chapter 13 -Topics
  4. Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions of Class 7 Science
  5. How to solve NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 13 questions effectively?
  6. Benefits of Wastewater Story NCERT Class 7 Science:

The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 13 provide clear and detailed answers to all exercise questions available in the textbook. These solutions not only help you understand the root cause of the water pollution but also tell you the ways to preserve it.

In addition to this chapter, NCERT Solutions from Class 6 to 12 are a great resource for students who are studying under the CBSE syllabus. They help you understand tricky science topics with simple explanations and examples. Scroll down to go through the questions and answers given in the article below.

Download PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 13

Download PDF

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Wastewater Story Exercise:

1. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Cleaning of water is a process of removing ____________.
(b) Wastewater released by houses is called ____________.
(c) Dried ____________ is used as manure.
(d) Drains get blocked by ____________ and ____________.

Answer:

(a) Cleaning of water is a process of removing contaminants.
(b) Wastewater released by houses is called sewage.
(c) Dried cow dung is used as manure.
(d) Drains get blocked by plastic and fats.

2. What is sewage? Explain why it is harmful to discharge untreated sewage into rivers or seas.

Answer:

Sewage is wastewater coming out of households, public places, farms, and industry. It also includes rainwater that has flown into the sewers.

Untreated sewage contains harmful chemicals, which, if released directly into the rivers or seas, would pollute them, harming the ecosystem of the water bodies and making the water unfit for drinking or further use.

3. Why should oils and fats not be released in the drain? Explain.

Answer:

Oils and fats are insoluble in water. When released in the drain, it causes hardening and blocking of the sewage pipes. In an open drain, the fats block the soil pores, which are required for filtering water. That is why oils and fats should not be released in the drain.

4. Describe the steps involved in getting clarified water from wastewater.

Answer:

The treatment of wastewater includes the following steps:

(i) First, the physical waste, like plastic, rags, pebbles, wood, etc., is removed by passing the water through a bar screen.

(ii) Then water is sent into the sand removal tank for removing sand, pebbles, grit, etc. through the process of sedimentation.

(iii) Then the rest of the solid waste is allowed to settle at the bottom of a large settling tank. This waste deposited at the bottom is called sludge and is removed through a scraper.

(iv) The harmful microorganisms in this water are killed through chlorination or UV rays.

(v) Through an aerator, air is pumped into this water so that aerobic bacteria can grow and decompose any remaining organic wastes.

(vi) This treated water is then released into the water bodies.

5. What is sludge? Explain how it is treated.

Answer:

Sludge is the solid waste that has settled at the bottom of settling tanks during the process of wastewater treatment.

It is treated by decomposition by anaerobic bacteria. This activated sludge further can be used as manure.

6. Untreated human excreta is a health hazard. Explain.

Answer:

Untreated human excreta contains many harmful organisms that can cause lots of health-related problems. It pollutes air, water, and soil. Epidemics like cholera, meningitis, etc., can be spread by untreated human excreta.

7. Name two chemicals used to disinfect water.

Answer:

Two chemicals used to disinfect water are chlorine and ozone.

8. Explain the function of bar screens in a wastewater treatment plant.

Answer:

Bar screens filter most of the large-sized solid waste like plastic, cans, wood, etc., from wastewater.

9. Explain the relationship between sanitation and disease.

Answer:

Sanitation refers to the availability of clean drinking water and proper treatment of human waste and sewage.

Without proper sanitation, various diseases like cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, etc. would spread. However, proper sanitation ensures that these diseases do not spread.

10. Outline your role as an active citizen in relation to sanitation.

Answer:

As active citizens, we should ensure that proper sanitation facilities are available in our homes and workplaces, should make people aware of the necessity of sanitation, and should not throw garbage in the open, as it will block the drains and restrict the flow of the sewage.

11. Here is a crossword puzzle: Good luck!

Across
3 . Liquid waste products
4 . Solid waste extracted in sewage treatment
6 . A word related to hygiene
8 . The waste matter discharged from the human body
Down
1 . Used water
2 . A pipe carrying sewage
5 . Micro-organisms which causes cholera
7 . A chemical to disinfect water

Answer:

Across
3 . SEWAGE
4 . SLUDGE
6 . SANITATION
8 . EXCRETA
Down
1 . WASTEWATER
2 . SEWER
5 . BACTERIA
7 . OZONE

12. Study the following statements about ozone:

(a) It is essential for the breathing of living organisms.
(b) It is used to disinfect water.
(c) It absorbs ultraviolet rays.
(d) Its proportion in air is about 3%.

Which of these statements are correct?
(i) (a), (b), and (c)
(ii) (b) and (c)
(iii) (a) and (d)
(iv) All four

Answer:

(ii) (b) and (c) are correct.

Wastewater Story Class 7 Science Chapter 13 -Topics

  • Wastewater Story
  • Water, Our Lifeline
  • What is Sewage
  • Water Freshness Up- Eventful Journey
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
  • Better Housekeeping Practices
  • Sanitation And Diseases
  • Alternative Arrangement For Sewage Disposal
  • Sanitation in Public Places

Students can make their studies interesting through activities. For example, by visiting a sewage treatment plant, students can know how practically the plant is running and can relate to what they have studied in this chapter.

How to solve NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 13 questions effectively?


To solve the NCERT questions effectively, students have to focus on understanding the fundamental concepts, along with practicing questions given in examples and exercises. Students should utilize the sources and content provided online to ensure a complete understanding of the subject. Here are a few things that students should keep in mind while preparing:

  • Read the chapter thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the definitions and theorems
  • Work through examples and apply the same approach to solve exercises
  • Test yourself with different sets of questions
  • Identify your weaknesses and work on them

Benefits of Wastewater Story NCERT Class 7 Science:

  • Class 7th Science Chapter 13 is important from the exam point of view.
  • One of the main aims of Wastewater Story is to create awareness about water usage.
  • The solutions for this chapter help to understand the concepts studied in the chapter well.
  • Along with the NCERT Solutions, doing the activities mentioned in the chapter will add to the advantage of understanding the chapter in depth.
  • It will help you score good marks in your school exam.
  • Class 7th Science Chapter 13 Solutions PDF is easy to download and use offline.
  • The questions and answers are prepared by subject experts as per the latest CBSE syllabus.

Also check,

Follow the links below to get your hands on the class 7 syllabus and the books related to it. You can also go through NCERT solutions for other subjects as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can wastewater be reused?
A:

Wastewater can be treated and reused for a variety of purposes, such as irrigation, industrial processes, and even drinking water in some cases. This helps to conserve water and reduce the demand for fresh water.


Q: What are the consequences of untreated wastewater being released into the environment?
A:

Untreated wastewater can have serious consequences for the environment and public health. It can contaminate water sources, harm aquatic life, and spread diseases. It can also lead to the growth of harmful algal blooms, which can have negative impacts on the economy and tourism.


Q: How can individuals help to protect water resources and reduce the impact of wastewater?
A:

Individuals can help to protect water resources and reduce the impact of wastewater by using water efficiently, properly disposing of household hazardous waste, supporting policies and regulations that protect water resources, and participating in local water conservation efforts.

 

 

Q: What is wastewater and where does it come from?
A:

Wastewater is any water that has been affected by human use and is no longer pure. It includes water from household activities like washing, bathing, and toilets, as well as water from industrial and commercial processes.


Q: What are some common contaminants found in wastewater?
A:

Common contaminants found in wastewater include human waste, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.


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