Hand pumps for water lifting
Practical Action
Rower
The rower pump is a simpler
and cheaper version of the
traditional reciprocating suction
pump. The pump is set at an
angle of 30˚ and water is lifted
through a rowing action.
Its simple design means it can
be easily manufactured and
maintained using locally
available skills and materials.
This type of pump also needs to
be primed before used.
Figure 6: Rower pump
Advantages
Cheaper construction than most reciprocating
suction and lift pumps
Maintenance using local skills and materials
Long piston stroke gives fast water delivery
(up to 90 litres/min at 4 metres depth)
Disadvantages
Limited to wells of less than 7 metres in depth
Pump priming may cause water contamination.
Upward facing delivery tube may lead to water
contamination.
Most designs have maximum usage of around
50 people/day
Treadle pump
Figure 7: Treadle pump
A treadle pump is another type of suction pump designed to lift water from a depth of 7 metres or
less. The treadle pump has a lever pushed by the foot to drive the pump. Because leg muscles are
stronger than arm muscles, this design is less tiring to use than other human powered water lifters.
Most of the parts can be manufactured locally hence the treadle pump is relatively simple and
inexpensive to build.
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