Treadle Pump

The treadle pump is a human-powered irrigation device that sits on top of a well.

Pumping is activated by stepping up and down on treadles which drive pistons, creating cylinder suction that draws groundwater to the surface.

Treadle pumps free farmers from dependence on rain-fed irrigation, provide capacity to raise crops in two growing seasons per-year, and help farmers maximize return on their small plots of land.

There are three different models of iDE Treadle Pumps available:

• The Portable Treadle Pump: Portable models have an inlet pipe that can be extended to surface water or down a well, and can be used for watering up to 1,500 square meters, and its portability allows it to be used for multiple fields. Treadles, handles and the frame are generally made of steel, but they can be made of local materials (wood or bamboo), as well.
• The Fixed Treadle Pump: The Fixed Treadle Pump is a foot-operated, low-cost option for accessing large quantities of water when the depth to water is less than seven meters. Fixed models are mounted on a well casing and use the casing pipe as the pump support. Treadles, handles and the frame are generally made of local materials (wood or bamboo).
• The Pressure Treadle Pump: These pumps are especially versatile and can be used for a large variety of irrigating conditions. Most models have an inlet pipe that can be used to draw water from the surface or under ground. Available water output is inversely proportional to the height the pump is lifting the water: the deeper the water, and the higher or further the water is pushed, the less water output is available for the same energy expended.