An overshot configuration harnesses both the kinetic energy of the flowing water and the gravitational potential energy of its weight. Water is channeled to the top of the wheel, filling buckets that pull the wheel downward as they descend. This design is significantly more efficient than an undershot wheel but requires a substantial head of water to function.
Heard on the job
The old mill uses an overshot wheel because the steep terrain provides a good ten-foot drop from the flume.