text: Well, if the energy is potential energy (in other words, the water is on top of a hill), then you can let the water flow down the hill (converted to kinetic energy) and in so doing, pass it through a turbine to create electricity. This is often done with the use of dams. The water is held back in a lake. As the water is realesed through the damn, it turns the turbines.\n\nCommonly referred to as hydroelectric power.\n\nSide note: If you live near Harper's Ferry, WV they have an incredible display of the power of water. Back before the days of electricity, they hooked a watermill up to a interconected system of pullies and leather straps. Through these, they powered an asortment of different machines such as drills and saws. Basically, a shop full of power tools with no electricity.