Rope pumps: out-perform conventional handpumps on most counts in Ghana test

Updated - Thursday 07 December 2006

The rope-pump out-performed the conventional handpump on the majority of counts in a study [1] in northern Ghana. Contrary to widespread perceptions, there was also no significant difference between pump types with respect to the impact on microbiological water quality. The researchers conclude therefore that the rope-pump provides a significant technological opportunity to improve water supply sustainability in Africa. Locally manufactured rope-pumps are considerably cheaper and easier to maintain than standardised imported handpumps, but they have been rejected in the past due to fears of poor water quality.

[1] Harvey, P.A. Drouin, T. (2006). The case for the rope-pump in Africa : a comparative performance analysis. Journal of water and health ; vol. 4, no. 4 ; p. 499-510. DOI: 10.2166/wh.2006.032

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