What do the dash lights mean in a 97 Chevy Cavalier i have red one popping up with an arrow pointing down towards water?

That sounds like your low coolant warning light. The arrow pointing down usually indicates the location of the coolant reservoir. It means your car's coolant level is low. This is a serious issue and needs attention immediately to prevent engine overheating and potential serious damage.

What to do:

1. DO NOT drive the car until you've addressed the low coolant. Driving with low coolant can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

2. Let the engine cool completely before checking anything. The coolant will be very hot.

3. Carefully locate your coolant reservoir. It's usually a translucent plastic tank, often near the radiator.

4. Check the coolant level. If it's low, add coolant appropriate for your car (check your owner's manual). Never open a hot radiator cap.

5. Inspect for leaks. Look for any signs of coolant leaks around the radiator, hoses, water pump, etc.

6. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, take your car to a mechanic immediately.

Low coolant can have several causes, from a simple leak to a more serious problem like a blown head gasket. A mechanic can diagnose the root cause. Ignoring a low coolant light can lead to very expensive repairs.