Summary
The construction of a pump powered by river currents using a submerged Savonius rotor is described in detail. The design is very simple, so that anybody can construct the pump using hand tools. The cost of materials for the unit is aproximately US$ 70,00. There is a slight variation in the performance of pumps of this type due to the rustic construction. Nevertheless, at maximum power a pump installed in a current of 0,6 m.seg.-1 (2,2 km/h) pumped 2100 litres of water per day with a head of 28 m. Another pump installed in a current of 1,1 m.seg.-1 (4,0 km/h) pumped 3100 litres with the same head. At lower pressures the pumping rate increased to between 3500 and 3900 litres per day. Since the pump can improve the domestic comfort of the rural riversidade population and/or supply water for other purposes it is hoped that the design will be widely popularised. Contacts with Government bodies are being developed with this aim.