The major purpose of an aqueduct was to deliver water to the people in the towns. In the days before the aqueducts water was furnished by a local stream and/or wells. Sometimes rain water was collected in underground reservoirs (the so called cisterns). But streams and rivers got polluted, wells dried up because of too frequent use, and rain-water was not enough to lessen the thirst of everyone. So, if you wanted to be elected in the town council, you made a financial contribution to the construction of an aqueduct. It underlined the private wealth of the citizens and in this manner also contributed to the status of the city involved. Meaning it Influenced canals in America and transportation of water for crops.