Museum of Science and Industry

Water power, the harnessing of the force of water flowing in rivers and streams, has been used for centuries. The Romans used water power to grind corn. By the eleventh century, more than 5,000 waterwheels were in use in Britain.

The most important form of water power to Manchester's industrial development was hydraulic power. This is produced by water under pressure. Hydraulic pumps were used to power all kinds of machinery, such as lifts, hoists and presses. Manchester's hydraulic power network opened in 1894. It supplied power to city centre warehouses, factories and public buildings. It was in operation until 1972 and its pipes are now used to carry communications cables.

As technology developed, water power was used to generate electricity, through the use of water turbines to turn electricity generators. Turbines are still used in this way today and are gaining in popularity as we become more aware of our impact on the environment.