Water Portal / Rainwater Harvesting / Surface water / Sump intake

In a sump intake, water from a river or lake flows through an underwater pipe to a well or sump from where it is lifted, usually into the initial purification stages of a drinking-water system. The inflow opening of the underwater pipe is located below the low-water level and is screened. A well provides a place for sedimentation to settle and protects the pump against damage by floating objects. To facilitate cleaning, two sump intakes are sometimes built for one pump.

Suitable conditions

On the banks of rivers and lakes.

Construction, operations and maintenance

Operation is usually carried out by a caretaker. The sump must be checked daily for sufficient water inflow; any debris obstructing it must be removed, and any damage repaired. Most of the maintenance will be to the pump. The intake itself needs some cleaning and de-silting. If it caves in, or if the river or lake bank erodes, repairs have to be made. A sump inlet does not require special organizational arrangements.