wassermühle

Wassermühle, a German term meaning "water mill," refers to a mill that uses the energy of running water to perform mechanical work. The most common purpose historically has been grinding grain into flour, but water mills have also powered saws, textile processes, and other equipment. A wassermühle typically relies on a water wheel that is driven by water diverted from a stream, river, or canal.

Construction and operation: Water is directed from a water source into a headrace or leat that leads to the wheel. Depending on local site conditions, the wheel may be undershot, breastshot, or overshot, affecting efficiency and torque. The turning wheel drives a vertical or horizontal shaft, which in turn engages a gear train or belt drive that reduces speed and increases torque. The driven shaft powers millstones for grain grinding or other machinery for non-grinding tasks. A tailrace returns water to the stream.

History and scope: Water mills appeared in antiquity and became widespread in medieval Europe. They were typically built at convenient sites along rivers and streams, frequently by monasteries, villages, and manors. In addition to grinding grain, many mills supported woodworking (sawmills), textile processing (fulling and dyeing), and more. The design and power source varied with local water supply and engineering knowledge.

Present day: Many wassermühlen survive as cultural heritage and tourist attractions. Some remain in operation as demonstrations or functioning mills, while others have been preserved as monuments or repurposed for hydroelectric generation on a small scale.