Adding torque requirements to the shaft is a good idea, realistic and can make players pay more attention to the simplicity of the machine.
But it also caused a problem, the position of the water wheel is very awkward. An extra water wheel must be added to drive the shaft, which is generally not worth it.
I think adding a small amount of torque output to the sources of torque, about 10-20, to drive a small number of shaft would be a good solution that relieve this situation

Can you provide us with a screenshot/video of the problem?