[Theoria]

The British canal system would be a similar usage. All ya need is wood, aqueducts[shafts], and pressure[elevation] to lower and raise water. The seals are wood, which does a decent job, enough to stop most of the water. Just integrating a system like that isn't outside a civilization that constructed pyramids and other contraptions.

[It Aint Easy]

In response to digging, my company frequently digs into wooden water & sewer pipes in a certain area. The structure is still sound(?) even though it has long been abandoned for ‘modern’ metal and plastic.

Does the water source need to be below grade? Could the Egyptians have had an aqueduct above ground like the Romans to feed a wheel for the work?