The pros and cons of hand water pumps

The hand water pump has a very long history dated back to 3000 BC if not before. Some of the first recorded pumps were found in Mesopotamia where a counterweight and a lever helped to raise water from rivers into troughs. Over time, the hand pump evolved to the cast-iron or metal pump we know today. The design of the hand water pumps endures, making it a popular option for many across the world. When examining the hand water pump, its important to examine its pros and cons.

Pros

The pros of the manual water pump are simple: Easy installation Its very design makes it easy to install. Used for shallow and deep walls The hand operated water pump can be used for both shallow and deep wells. With deeper wells, it is necessary to add a drop pipe which extends into the depths of the well, helping to create the necessary lift to bring the water to the surface. Does not require mechanisation What also makes the hand siphon pump so effective is that it is hand-operated - it does not require mechanisation in order to bring the water to the surface beyond a person operating the pump handle. In places where electricity is at a premium or non-existent, it makes this pump attractive. This is why they are often installed in Third World countries where availability of water is an issue. For those who are trying to live off the grid, a hand pump means that water will still be available, even without power. Hand pumps lend themselves to other applications as well, such as a garden water pump, or even as a method for drawing water for livestock.

Cons

One of the major cons of hand water pumps is filtration. It is difficult to provide filtration for the water drawn from a hand pump well, thanks to the design. In order to properly filter water, other systems need to be relied upon: systems which can be expensive or make the process more complicated. If filtration systems are not purchsed, then boiling water from a hand operated pump will be necessary. For this reason, hand water pumps can provide a drawback when relying on safe drinking water in areas where clean water may not be readily available.