Know-what, know-when and know-how: A web and mobile-based android application for early detection of pump failures in rural water supply projects, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Tanzania, like other developing countries, experiences frequent water supply project failures during its operations leading to subsequent loss in revenues annually which is mainly attributable to pumping system failure. While a lot of investment is spent on establishing new water supply projects, little attention is paid to the functioning of these systems, leading to the abandonment of most projects due to pump failures. The purpose of the study was to assess the operational situation of water pumps and develop an appropriate application for early faults detection to foster prompt remedial actions. A site visit and online survey with questionnaires were performed to collect information on water pump problems in 13 regions in Tanzania. The study revealed that 82% of pumps face excessive power consumption, 53% fail due to broken seals, 41% encounter no or low flow, 35% have no or low pressure and 24% produce excessive noise or vibration. The Pump Diagnosis Tool (PDP) application is developed to provide rapid insight into the condition and state of the pumping system and the required measures to address the problem. The PDT has the potential to detect and diagnose pump problems in a timely manner to avoid total failure which is potentially the major driver behind water supply work breakdowns.