Middle school students across the Bedford, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Salem areas are invited to dive into design and innovation at the third annual Water Tower Showdown, jointly hosted by the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association (VA AWWA), the Bedford Regional Water Authority, Lynchburg Water Resources, Salem Water Department, and the Western Virginia Water Authority.

Scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, this fun and educational competition challenges students in grades 6–8 to design and build a model water tower that is not only structurally sound and efficient, but also creative and visually striking. Participants will compete for cash prizes — and bragging rights — by demonstrating their engineering skills and imagination.

Students are encouraged to think outside the box: towers can be constructed from any materials, and bonus points will be awarded for creativity and innovation. Whether it’s repurposing an old broom handle or inventing a tower shape no one has seen before, unique designs are highly encouraged.

“The Water Tower Showdown, now it its third year, is a great example of utilities breaking down barriers with the public and trying to make education fun and engaging,” said Mark Titcomb, who has served as a judge for the event with VA AWWA for multiple years.   “Western VA Water Authority, Bedford Regional Water Authority, Lynchburg Water Resources, and Salem Water Department are working together to challenge local schools with a STEM competition while pulling back the curtain on the water infrastructure that surrounds and supports their communities.”  

•             When: Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

•             Where: Green Ridge Recreation Center 7415 Wood Haven Road, Roanoke, VA 24019

•             Who: Middle school students (grades 6–8) from the Bedford, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Salem regions

•             First Place: $75 Visa gift card per team member

•             Second Place: $50 Visa gift card per team member

•             Third Place: $25 Visa gift card per team member

Participation is free and open to middle school students from public, private, or homeschool settings, either individually or in teams of up to four students.

How to Register:

Registration is open until Thursday, July 3, 2025. Space is limited to the first 30 individuals or teams, with a maximum of five teams per school. Register online at this LINK

Don't miss your chance to build, innovate, and compete in this exciting event!