The Treadle Pump consists of two metal cylinders with pistons that are operated by a natural walking motion on two treadles. The pump can be manufactured locally in simple metalworking shops. The treadles and support structure are made of bamboo or other inexpensive, locally available material. It is easily maintained with standard replacement parts available in local markets at a low cost. The efficient step-action operation makes it possible to pump the large volumes of water necessary for irrigation. All household members are able to operate the pump, allowing farmers to make efficient use of family labour.
The pump's low cost makes it accessible to even very poor farmers who can use it to grow dry-season vegetables for home consumption and for sale. On average, farmers are able to generate more than US$100 per year in extra income. Since 1985, when IDE first began promoting the treadle pump in Bangladesh, about two million treadle pumps have been installed worldwide.
Treadle Pump Variations:
River Pump Mounted on a portable metal stand so that it is easily moved from one water source to another. Pumps from surface water sources. Inlet hose required for suction. No borehole required.
Metal Treadle Pump Permanently attached metal treadles increases portability. Can be mounted on a borehole (like the basic Treadle Pump) to draw from groundwater sources. Can be mounted on a metal frame (like the River Pump) to draw from surface water sources.
Concrete Pump PVC cylinders embedded in a concrete body. Prevents corrosion in regions with saline groundwater. Mounted on a borehole to draw from groundwater.
Plastic Pump All plastic construction prevents corrosion in regions with saline groundwater. Mounted on a borehole to draw from groundwater.
Polak Wins Monito del Giardino Prize
(June 1, 2008) IDE Founder Paul Polak recently traveled to Florence, Italy, to accept the prestigious Il Monito del Giardino prize. The award, which included a €30,000 grant, is presented annually...
Polak's Out of Poverty Now Available
(February 15, 2008) In this hard-hitting new book,IDE Founder Paul Polak tells why traditional poverty eradication programs have fallen so short, and how he and his organization developed an alternative approach that has succeeded in lifting 17 million people out of poverty...
IDE Receives Second Grant From Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
(January 25, 2008) IDE today announced a grant of $27 million over four years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in support of its micro-irrigation programs for Indian smallholder farmers...
