water power

the power of water used, or capable of being used, to drive machinery, turbines, etc.

a waterfall or descent in a watercourse capable of being so used.

a water right possessed by a mill.

Origin of water power

First recorded in 1820–30

This indicates the percentages of total semi-yearly outputs of electrical energy derived from water-power in two supply systems.

Electric Transmission of Water Power |Alton D. Adams
The Merrimac, also, loses its serenity every few miles, and changes from a tranquil river into a—water-power.

Captains of Industry |James Parton
The mills, however, have grown vastly beyond its capacity as a water-power, so that auxiliary steam is now largely used.

America, Volume 5 (of 6) |Joel Cook
The use of water-power in electrical supply at Hartford began in November, 1891, and has since continued to an increasing extent.

Electric Transmission of Water Power |Alton D. Adams

The water-power in California is ample for any required mill purposes.

What I Saw in California |Edwin Bryant

water power

the power latent in a dynamic or static head of water as used to drive machinery, esp for generating electricity

a source of such power, such as a drop in the level of a river, etc

the right to the use of water for such a purpose, as possessed by a water mill