When generating hydropower, the head is the distance that a given water source has to fall before the point where power is generated. Ultimately the force responsible for hydropower is gravity, so a plant[Alternatively, again for a given water flow, a larger head could produce the same power with smaller equipment.] with a tall/high head can produce more power than a similar plant with a short/low head. In short, for a given water flow, a larger head will be converted into greater kinetic energy. That energy is then harnessed by a water wheels or water turbines to create usable hydropower.
Fabrics
Hydrostatic head is also used as a measure of the waterproofing of a fabric, commonly in clothing and equipment used for outdoor recreation. It is measured as a length (typically millimetres), representing the maximum height of a vertical column of water that could be placed on top of the fabric before water started seeping through the weave. Thus a fabric with a hydrostatic head rating of mm could hold back a column of water five metres high, but no more.
Notes
See also
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Hydraulic head for a more technical description of the physical principle of hydraulics
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Tent and waterproofing, as hydrostatic head is used as a measurement of waterproofness
