The Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, France. The upper tier encloses an aqueduct which carried water to Nimes in Roman times; its lower tier was expanded in the 1740s to carry a wide road across the river

An aqueduct is a man-made channel that carries water from one place to another. Usually, they are used to supply water to cities and towns. They may also carry water for irrigation, or for hydroelectricity. Pipes, canals, tunnels, and bridges that serve this purpose are all called aqueducts. Some aqueducts carry a canal for boats and ships. The word “aqueduct” comes from the Latin words “aqua” (water) and “ducere” (to lead). Aqueducts have been used since ancient times.