Pumps and operation details

Q: I would like to get the details of various pumps IWWA (Indian Water Works Association) is using and its operation detail. I need to know more about it, please provide me the details.
(Senior Engineer in an India Manufacturer Company)

Answer: IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre is not related to IWWA. However, we can provide you with some web sites and documents which have information on pumps:

PUBLICATIONS

The publication: "Linking Technology Choice with Operation and Maintenance for Low-Cost Water Supply and Sanitation (2.40 MB)" provides 50 illustrated fact sheets on various low-cost water supply and sanitation technologies. See part II of this guidance manual. Download the PDF file (2.4 MB)

NWP et al. 2004). Smart water solutions : examples of innovative, low-cost technologies for wells, pumps, storage, irrigation and water treatment. Delft, The Netherlands, Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP).
This booklet provides examples of small-scale innovative technologies to increase access to safe drinking water. It includes technologies such as the use of sunlight to purify water, effective low-cost water filters, low-cost drip irrigation and locally produced hand pumps that are five times cheaper than imported pumps.

ORGANISATIONS and NETWORKS to contact for more information on pumps:

ATatWork, a Dutch network of professionals from government, academia, NGOs and the private sector who are interested in the large-scale market introduction of appropriate water and sanitation technologies.

Lifewater Canada, a non-profit group training nationals to drill safe drinking water wells and build handpumps.
See their Water wells tutorial , an on-line tutorial providing technical instructions needed to construct safe drinking water wells. In-depth instructions are provided on using the LS-100 drill machine and Bush (modified Zimbabwe) handpumps. The Handpumps Resources section provides information on and links to over 25 handpumps for shallow and deep wells.

Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN)
Formerly called the "Handpump Technology Network"(HTN) aims to facilitate the provision of safe water and sanitation to the poor and deprived through the promotion of sustainable technologies - primarily hand-pump technology - that are affordable and responsive to the needs of the users.
RWSN Secretariat
Skat Foundation
Vadianstrasse 42
CH-9000 St.Gallen
Switzerland
- Telephone: +41 71 228 54 54
- FAX: +41 71 228 54 55
- E-mail: rwsn@skat.ch

RWSN has published "Handpumps, Mechanised Pumps, Surface Water - Technology Options", a small compendium of technology options for rural water supply. Briefly describing the various types of most common handpumps and providing information on motorised pumps.

Pump Aid, Water for Life
Founded in Zimbabwe, Pump Aid works to relieve poverty in Africa using appropriate and sustainable technology to provide clean water for drinking and irrigation.
- Address: 52 Priory Road
Loughborough
LE11 3PP Leicestershire
United Kingdom
- Telephone: +44 1283 713902
- E-mail: IanThorpe@pumpaid.org, karenmercer@pumpaid.org

Further good info on pumps can be get from Practica Foundation based in the Netherlands. They facilitate research, development and commercial application of technology in the field of water and energy in developing countries. Practica works with a network of partner organisations that produce, promote and sell improved rural products.

More information on documents and organisations dealing with village level handpumps can be found at the Ask IRC page.