Problem:
An estimated 200 million people rely on approximately 700,000 traditional hand pumps such as the Afridev and India Mark 2 (IM2) for clean water in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, research estimates that up to 30% of these pumps are non-functional or not working properly at any given time, and they are known to break down every 6 months or even after a few weeks in high-use situations. When they are working, they often produce water with unacceptable levels of lead and are prone to rapid corrosion. This is a dire situation for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on these pumps for their daily water needs, and we recognized the urgency of their plight. Our goal is to improve the reliability of these existing pumps so the communities that depend on them can have the reliable access to water they need to thrive.
Solution:
MaxLife™ Hand Pump Upgrades
Design Outreach is working to develop Afridev and India Mark 2 pump upgrades designed to address common issues that plague traditional hand pumps.
The first component of the Afridev MaxLife™ Upgrade Kit is the MaxLife Centralizer. Developed by Poldaw Designs and Design Outreach, this low-cost component has the potential to reduce the frequency of breakdowns by an estimated 70-80%. Rigorous field testing has been completed with this component on various pump types for over 5 years, and it has demonstrated little wear and zero failures in that period. Because of its potential to transform water access for vulnerable communities, the MaxLife Centralizer has received approval by the Malawian government for use across the country.
To date, MaxLife Centralizers have been installed in 3 countries, transforming the lives of over 351,000 people.
The MaxLife Centralizer brings the promise of reliable, clean water to those who desperately need it for a fraction of the cost of ongoing maintenance or new pump installs.
The MaxLife Program is designed for long-term water access—recognizing that true sustainability depends on people, not parts. From local mechanics trained in proper installation, to shopkeepers who stock replacement components, to volunteers and government leaders—MaxLife is truly a sustainable solution that could revolutionize water access in developing countries.
