waterworks

noun7

1. •
   The water supply system of a district, town, city, or other place, including reservoirs, pipes, and pumps.
2. •
   Any single facility, such as a filtration plant or pumping station, within such a system.

   • She is employed by a waterworks at the outskirts of the city.
3. •
   (informal, figurative) Often in the form turn on the waterworks: crying or tears, especially in a way that is considered manipulative or over-emotional.

   • She turned on the waterworks when we told her the old man was dead, but she was asking questions about the will soon enough.
4. •
   (UK, figurative) The genitourinary system.
5. •
   (informal, figurative) Rain.
6. •
   (historical) A hydraulic apparatus by which a supply of water is furnished for ornamental purposes; also, an ornamental fountain or waterfall.
7. •
   (no longer used) Engineering works relating to the conveyance and flow of fluids (principally water), such as the collection and distribution of water, drainage, irrigation, etc.