The roundabout playpump combines a children's roundabout with a pump. The pumps are usually installed in schools to harness the natural energy of children.

As the children play on the roundabout they pump water into a holding tank at the rate of 1400 litres per hour.

Each pump can provide up to 2500 people with fresh water.

A fully installed PlayPump system costs £6,500. This includes equipment such as the roundabout, water pump, storage tank, tank stand with board, tap, and piping. Set up costs such as a geo-hydro census, site evaluation, water quality testing, community orientation, installation training, transport, and system installation are also included.

The first PlayPumps system was installed about ten years ago. Since then more than 800 pumps have been installed in southern Africa. Clean water is pumped from boreholes which can be up to 300 foot deep. The tanks containing the water are used as advertising space. Two sides of the tank carry commercial advertisements while the other two sides carry health education information.  Revenue from the sale of the advertising pays for the upkeep of the pump.

PlayPumps International is a nonprofits organization that enables individuals, governments, foundations, and companies to donate PlayPumpTM water systems to rural African communities and schools.  Donors to PlayPumps International help improve the lives of children and their families by providing easy access to clean drinking water, enhancing public health, and offering play equipment to millions across Africa. 

PlayPumps International is registered both as a South African NGO and a U.S. 501(c)3 organization, and maintains offices in both countries. PlayPumps International was formerly known as Roundabout PlayPumps. The PlayPump system is manufactured in Johannesburg, South Africa by Outdoor Fabrications and Steelworks.

There is a huge growth in interest around PlayPumps International. In September, Laura Bush announced a $10 million commitment by the U.S. Government to support PlayPumps International and their efforts to install 4,000 PlayPump systems across 10 African countries.

You can read more about Playpumps International on their website – www.playpumps.org