The Romans constructed aqueducts to bring a constant flow of water from distant sources into cities and towns, supplying public baths, washrooms, fountains and private households. Waste water was removed by the sewage systems and released into nearby bodies of water, keeping the towns clean and free from noxious waste. Some aqueducts also served water for mining, processing, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Aqueducts moved water through gravity alone, along a slight downward gradient within conduits of stone, brick or concrete.

Most Roman aqueducts proved reliable, and durable some were maintained into the early modern era, and a few are still partly in use.