Human and animal powered water lifting devices
Practical Action
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. The treadle pump can lift up to 100 litres/ min at depths of around 4 m.
The introduction of the
treadle pump for
irrigation has been shown
to have a positive impact
on household income. In
Bangladesh, a simple
treadle pump costs
around US$20 but this
investment allows
families to generate
US$100 additional
income annually. In
Africa where treadle
pumps cost between
US$50-80 additional
income rises to between
US$200 – 500 each
year.
Figure 10: Treadle Pump
Advantages
Simple and inexpensive construction
Less intensive operation (foot operated)
Maintenance uses local skills and materials
Water delivery of up to 100 litres/min at 4 metres depth
Use leads to generation of US$100-500 additional income per
year for rural households in Africa and Asia
Disadvantages
Limited to wells of less than
7 metres in depth
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. The long piston
stroke ensures fast water delivery
of up to 90 litres/min at 4 m
depth.
Its simple design means it can
be easily manufactured and
maintained using locally
available skills and materials.
Figure 11: Rower Pump
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