Design and construction of a water wheel powered pump in Tente village.

Abstract

Today in Uganda some people do rain-water harvesting where by water is kept in surface, above ground or underground tanks to cater for the future use. Uganda has an abundance of surface water resources, which include rivers, lakes and. wetlands that cover about 20% of the total surface area on top of' the underground water sources such as springs (WaterWiki.net, September 2012). The case study was taken from Tente village located in Busia district in eastern Uganda. The farmers at this area grow a variety of crops which includes Maize, Groundnuts and vegetables such as Sukuma, Tomatoes, Onions and Cabbages. These farmers are not experienced in irrigation but have experience in using watering cans, jerry cans in irrigating their crops. Horticulture Irrigation Project (HIP) has assisted them in constructing water runoff collection ponds enabling them have water near their gardens though during dry seasons most of the ponds are affected (Lab, 2014) Reviews of the relevant literature related: to the research study and a brief overview of Surface water existence, use of hydropower, existing hydropower technologies and the existing water wheel pumps was done. The main source of this information was from existing literatures written by other scholars that have been involved with design of water pumps of nature. When the- design of the water wheel pump was accomplished, it was to Avail adequate water to the farmers for irrigation and domestic use, enable farmers have time for other farm operations and eliminate other negative effects associated with usage of other pumps. The water wheel pump for pumping water to a desired Head was Constructed. The Prototype operated by the running water (Hydropower) and continuously unless removed from the stream. The pump operated efficiently and for a long period of time.