Thats because it pumps stardust and not polluted water.

It doesn't function like a normal pump. Honestly wish they just gave it a new model or something.

It needs a power connection and to be loaded with batteries while placed inside any level of pollution.

Yeah what BurlSoL said. It really needs a different name/desc as the only way to get stardust from it is to craft the batteries and place them in the pump. Doesn't need to be in a polluted area to work since it works just about anywhere.

Not its job. Make batteries, put them inside. Get Source. it does need to be different item though, It can be confusing being what it is.