“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.