Windpump

A multi-bladed windpump on a farm.

A windpump is a windmill used for pumping water, either as a source of fresh water from wells, or for draining low-lying areas of land. Once a common fixture on farms in semi-arid areas, windpumps are still used today where electric power is not available or too expensive. Windpumps are used extensively in Southern Africa, Australia, and on farms and ranches in the central plains and Southwest of the United States.

Water pumping is one of the most basic and widespread energy needs in rural areas of the world. It has been estimated that half the world's rural population does not have access to clean water supplies. Much of the use of windpumps in developing countries is for village water supplies, irrigation and livestock water supplies.

Links

• OSE Wiki pages: Wind Turbine, Liquid Farm
• Wikipedia: Windpump
• Appropedia:Windpump
• Howtopedia: How to Build a Windpump (Principles)