Don Young wrote:

Another possibility is to install a hand operated "pitcher" pump in a tee
with a valve at the pump outlet. Pour a little water in the hand pump and it
will pull the water up through the pump. When it starts flowing, close the
valve and start your electric pump.
Don Young


Won't air leaking through the electric pump break the vacuum and keep
the pitcher pump from working? (The valve needs to be between the tee
and the electric pump, not between the tee and the hand pump.)
Otherwise, I like this idea because the pitcher pump can get the water
if you need to prime the centrifugal pump.

-Bob