Hydraulic ram pumps and Sling Pumps

Rainwater Harvesting●●●The required skills are present in ANY community which makesadaptation easy.The used materials can be kept simple, are obtainable nearlyeverywhere at local (low) cost price.The construction is easy and cheap in maintenance.Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting● The annual rainfall is limited to a minimum of roughly 2000mm/year and should be spread in at least two (long) rain-periodsof three months without total drought inbetween.● Cost per capita is higher for a rainwater harvesting system thanfor a communal pump or well.● Personal systems do not improve social activities (nor do theynessecarily spoil them).● Some kind of organisation, structure or retailer should be and staypresent after construction to supply the users of spare parts andrepair materials.RequirementsA workable social structure and an NGO or alike are recommended tobe present in the target area. Most effective process has been proven tobe to start with an example and then spread the technology around thearea. It is therefore nessecary to spread information and knowledgefrom the project/NGO through a social structure (like a farmersassociation, women-group, etc.)When incomes are very low among members of the target group onehttp://www.lifewater.ca/rain.htm (3 of 5) [1/13/2005 12:49:03 PM]