Answer:
To generate electricity ( A )
Step-by-step explanation:
The growing American cities in the mid 1800s used the Rivers found within the metropolis for various purpose like for the movement of goods and services through the water ways using the steam boats. this was because the road network in the mid 1800s where not very good.
Rivers served as means of drinking water for the citizens of the American cities and they were also free and natural source of drinking water for animals as well. although Electricity came to America in the early 1880s it wasn't generated with water they were generated using coal.
Water was used to power power mills that used steam engines as well