How to make a hand-pump

Access to clean water remains a priority in Africa, and improving access is key to fighting water-borne disease. In rural and peri-urban areas, even if populations manage to dig a well, drawing water is another matter. All too often women and children have to apply considerable energy to draw water from the well. In addition, an inappropriate water source can become the main cause for water pollution and can lead to accidents (falling into the well). In order to facilitate access to water for these populations, this guide presents a hand pump that is made from materials available locally. The hand pump operates with a plunger and is submerged in the water. It is made from PVC pipes, old tyres and wood. It is recommended for wells up to 25 metres deep (it has not been tested for greater depths), and can draw around ten litres per minute. The easy availability of the materials, low production costs and simple maintenance means that the hand pump is accessible for poor populations. [authors abstract]