These hand pumps come into their own when you have an energy independent means of pumping water to your cistern and want a completely power-free way to pump that water to your house. Pitcher pumps (AKA cistern pumps) bolt to your counter top and can pull water from a cistern or even shallow well as long as the water level will never be more than 20 feet in elevation below where the pitcher pump will be mounted. Certain higher-end models feature a pipe connection for forcing water up to a tank in the second story of your house. Even if using a hand pump is too primitive for you, pitcher pumps are a wonderful backup for pulling water from your cistern.