what are water works

“Waterworks” usually means the system of pipes, reservoirs, pumps, and treatment facilities that stores, cleans, and distributes water to homes and businesses. It can also mean fountains or, informally, tears/crying.

Common meanings

• Public water supply system: the infrastructure that treats and sends out clean water.

• Fountain or water display: an ornamental cascade or mechanical water feature.

• Informal use: crying or tears, as in “turn on the waterworks”.

Simple example

A city’s waterworks might include a reservoir, a treatment plant, pumping stations, and the pipes that deliver water to buildings.

If you meant the slang or the infrastructure sense, the first meaning is the most common one.