A randomized trial of the impact of rope-pumps on water quality

Rope-pumps are now widely promoted as a low cost, easily maintained means to improve water availability in developing countries. However, in some instances their acceptance has been limited by concerns over the microbiological quality of the water. This study looked at the well water quality under a variety of conditions, comparing unimproved bucket and rope wells with wells with a windlass and rope-pump wells with and without a concrete cover. Other factors influencing the water quality were also examined. Results indicate a 62% reduction of the geometric mean of the faecal coliform contamination of the well water as a result of the installation of a rope-pump with or without a concrete cover. Other factors found to influence the level of contamination of water in hand-dug wells were rainfall, number of households using the well, amount of water extracted daily and the distance of the well from the nearest kitchen. The last three factors probably reflect domestic activities with poor hygiene around the well. The installation of a simple rope-pump on family wells improves the water quality and availability at a favourable cost/benefit ratio.