Abstract

This study evaluated two low-cost technologies for groundwater extraction in the high Andean community of Chachapoyas, Peru: the rope pump and the manual volumetric pump. The rope pump, constructed with local materials and operated by pedaling, showed a progressive increase in flow rate from 48.79 L/min (1 m) to 69.56 L/min (5 m), associated with greater immersion and stability of the water column. In contrast, the manual volumetric pump exhibited a decrease in flow rate as the discharge height increased, from 21.97 L/min (2 m) to 11.68 L/min (10 m), reflecting the hydraulic limitations inherent in positive displacement systems. Both technologies are viable for domestic and agricultural water supply in rural communities with limited energy resources. The results highlight the need to adapt their design and maintenance to local hydrogeological conditions to ensure their operational sustainability.