Donate a Hand Water Pump — £150 Hand Pump Donation

A hand water pump is a manually operated mechanism that draws groundwater from approximately 30 metres below the surface. The donor funds the full cost of drilling, construction, and installation. Once installed, the hand water pump requires no electricity, no fuel, and no external power source — the beneficiary operates the pump by hand to draw water on demand.

Hand water pumps are the most widely donated water pump type through Islamic organisations in the UK. The £150 price point makes the hand water pump accessible to individual donors, and each pump creates an independent, self-sustaining water source for the beneficiary community.

Each hand water pump provides clean water for up to 4 families. HNCO positions hand water pumps between clusters of houses, typically serving households within a short walking radius. A single hand water pump produces enough water for daily drinking, cooking, washing, and basic sanitation needs across all beneficiary households.

The number of families served depends on the placement location and household size. In rural Pakistan, where extended families are common, a hand water pump may serve 20 to 30 individuals across 4 households. In parts of Africa, where household sizes vary, the same pump may serve fewer families but a comparable number of people.

A hand water pump is designed for household-level use. For larger communities requiring water access for 50 to 100 people, a solar water pump is the more appropriate donation option.

A hand water pump draws water from a borehole drilled to approximately 30 metres underground. The exact depth varies by location and is determined by a site survey conducted before installation begins. HNCO's local partners assess the water table depth, soil composition, and groundwater quality at each proposed site to confirm that the borehole will reach a reliable, clean water source.

In some regions of Pakistan, the water table sits closer to the surface — between 10 and 20 metres — which reduces drilling time and cost. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, deeper boreholes may be required. The £150 donation covers drilling to the depth necessary for the specific location, regardless of variation.

Hand water pumps cannot draw water from depths exceeding approximately 45 metres. Sites where the water table sits deeper than this threshold require a solar water pump or a motorised borehole system, which falls outside the hand pump donation programme.

A hand water pump installation is typically completed within 2-3 weeks of the donation being received. In some locations, seasonal construction restrictions — such as monsoon season in Pakistan (July to September) — may extend the timeline slightly.

A hand water pump is engineered to last a minimum of 10 years with proper maintenance. Many hand water pumps remain operational well beyond this period, particularly in regions where the water table is stable and the pump receives regular upkeep.

The 10-year lifespan assumes normal usage by up to 4 families and routine maintenance performed by the beneficiary community. Factors that reduce lifespan include excessive sand or sediment in the groundwater, physical damage to the pump handle, and neglected maintenance schedules.

HNCO does not currently offer a formal warranty or replacement programme for hand water pumps that fail after 10 years. However, because hand water pump components are sourced locally, beneficiary communities can replace worn parts at low cost without relying on the organisation for ongoing support.

Routine maintenance tasks include:

• Greasing the pump handle mechanism every 2 to 3 months
• Checking the pump rod and cylinder for wear annually
• Clearing sediment from the pump head if water flow slows
• Replacing the pump washer or leather seal when suction weakens

All replacement parts are available locally, and the cost of annual maintenance is minimal — typically under £5 in local currency equivalent. The hand water pump is specifically designed for low-resource settings where access to specialist engineers or imported parts is not feasible.

If a hand water pump develops a fault that exceeds the community's repair capacity within the pump's expected lifespan, HNCO's local partners provide technical support at no cost to the beneficiary.

There are no additional fees, administration charges, or hidden costs. Every penny of the £150 goes towards the construction and installation of the hand water pump. HNCO operates a 100% donation policy — operational costs are funded separately.

For donors who prefer a larger-scale water project, the solar water pump at £1,800 serves approximately 100 people with an electrically powered system. Alternatively, donors can contribute from £25 towards a pooled solar water pump installation.

Not sure which option is right? The hand pump vs solar water pump comparison breaks down the key differences in capacity, lifespan, and community impact.

A hand water pump donation qualifies as sadaqah jariyah — ongoing charity that generates continuous spiritual reward for the donor for as long as the pump provides clean water. With a minimum lifespan of 10 years, a hand water pump delivers benefit to the community and reward to the donor long after the initial £150 gift.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified water as the best form of charity in Islam. Donating a hand water pump fulfils this guidance directly and creates a tangible, lasting source of clean water that benefits families every day.

Donors can dedicate a hand water pump in honour of a living person or in memory of someone who has passed away. A plaque bearing the dedication name (up to 25 characters) is installed on the pump. Many donors choose to give a hand water pump as sadaqah jariyah for a deceased parent or loved one.

Hand water pump donations are also popular during Ramadan and Muharram, when the reward for charitable acts is multiplied.

In all regions, hand water pumps are placed in locations chosen for accessibility and safety — between clusters of houses, near pathways, and away from sources of contamination. Donors do not select the specific location; HNCO allocates each pump to the community with the highest assessed need.