This rustic, hand-operated water pump, now largely enveloped by lush greenery, tells a story of Panama's past before modern conveniences became widespread. In many rural areas, or even in some older communities, these kinds of pumps were once essential for accessing water from underground wells, serving as the primary water source for households and farms. Today, while plumbing systems deliver water directly to most homes, you might still encounter these pumps in settings like this one in El Valle de Antón. Often, they are no longer in active use for primary water supply but persist as historical remnants, decorative garden features like this one appears to be, or as backup systems. The rust and the plant overgrowth suggest that this particular pump has been out of regular operation for some time, slowly becoming part of the landscape. It's a tangible link to a time when daily tasks required a more direct interaction with the environment and its resources.