you can argue both sides. I run an electric water pump & I'm very happy with it. For starters, it looks trick. It also cleans up the engine compartment (only run a single belt for alternator). I may be mistaken, but I thought flow was BETTER at idle (i.e. at stoplights) with an electric. I also have an override switch on my water pump & fans, so that I can cool the engine down after I shut it off (a plus with an aluminum block). But... if it ever goes bad, you better be paying attention. I don't know that the incidence of failure is any higher with an electric or not. I just make it a habit to constantly scan the temp gauge & the
oil pressure.