Local middle school students are invited to dive into the world of water like never before by joining the Roanoke, Bedford, and Lynchburg water providers' third annual Water Tower Showdown. Participants will have the opportunity to design and build their very own water tower model from scratch!
This isn't your average competition — middle school students (rising 6th-8th graders) from public, private, or home schools are invited to design and build a model water tower that holds one gallon of water and can be filled and drained quickly while being aesthetically pleasing. Here's the twist: participants decide how to design the tower and what materials to use! The design could be anything—from a whimsical fantasy tower to a futuristic marvel—and students will be recognized for using unconventional materials in ingenious ways. Who knew an old broom handle could become the cornerstone of a masterpiece?
Towers are judged on Structural Efficiency, Cost Efficiency, Design Ingenuity, and Hydraulic Efficiency. Prizes will be awarded to the top three scoring teams, with a top prize of a $75 Visa gift card for each member of the first-place team, a $50 gift card for each member of the second-place team, and a $25 gift card for each member of the third place team. In addition to the competition, a tour of the treatment plant will be offered to participants during this event.
Visit the website to register your team and download these helpful documents.
- 2025 Model Water Tower Instructions
- Teacher's Guide
- Student Design Journal
There's no cost to enter—just bring your imagination and enthusiasm! Are you up for the challenge? Don't miss your chance to make a splash at the Water Tower Showdown. But hurry, space is limited! Mark your calendars, gather your team, and get ready to unleash your creativity.
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Green Ridge Rec Center, Roanoke, Virginia
Who: Middle school students (individuals or teams of up to 4) in the
Roanoke/Bedford/Lynchburg region from public, private, or home schools.
Only the first 30 students will be accepted. There will be a limit of no more than five teams per school.
More Information: Visit https://www.vaawwa.org/events/watertowershowdown2025
About the Bedford Regional Water Authority:
The Bedford Regional Water Authority (BRWA) provides water and wastewater services to the residents and businesses in Bedford County and the Town of Bedford; additionally, the BRWA partners with the Western Virginia Water Authority to serve customers surrounding Smith Mountain Lake in both Bedford and Franklin County. Visit www.brwa.com for further information.
About Lynchburg Water Resources:
Lynchburg Water Resources ensures that Lynchburg residents enjoy an uninterrupted supply of quality drinking water and reliable sewer service. Each year, we supply our customers with over 3.8 billion gallons of clean drinking water, we treat 4.2 billion gallons of wastewater, and we invest tens of millions of dollars each year into Lynchburg's local water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. We also offer free PreK-12 education outreach programs and facility tours correlated with Virginia SOLs. Please see current education offerings on our website to request a program. Our Mission is Clear: Promote the life, health, and prosperity of our community.
About Western Virginia Water Authority:
The Western Virginia Water Authority provides drinking water for the City of Roanoke, Town of Vinton, and the Counties of Roanoke, Franklin and Botetourt and sanitary wastewater service for the greater Roanoke Valley. Free in-class and education outreach programs, tours and field trips are offered to school groups in the Authority’s service area. Water science programs are centered around Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) and offer experiential lessons both in the classroom and outdoors. Learn more and sign up for a program by visiting www.westernvawater.org.
