Nearly as high as the water in the basin.

What is the water flowing from such an opening called?

It is called a fountain.

What makes the water shoot up in a fountain?

The pressure of the water in the basin forces it to shoot up in the fountain.

To what does water always tend?

Water always tends to fall to a level.

What instrument is constructed on this principle?

The water-level.

What is a water-level?