When the temperature is dropped from 9°C to 3°C, the volume of water will first decrease and then increase (C). Water exhibits anomalous behavior near 4°C, where it contracts upon cooling until it reaches 4°C, then expands upon further cooling. Therefore, initially, as the temperature drops from 9°C to 4°C, the volume will decrease. However, upon further cooling from 4°C to 3°C, the volume will increase. Option (A) is incorrect because there is a change in volume due to the anomalous behavior of water near 4°C. Option (B) is incorrect because the volume does not consistently increase or decrease. Option (D) is incorrect because water does not necessarily freeze when the temperature drops from 9°C to 3°C; freezing occurs at 0°C or below. Therefore, the correct option is (C).