Water Towers Purpose

Water towers can be found in almost every town and city in Iowa. Their purpose involves much more than simply storing water. Water towers are built and positioned in such a way to create lots of stored energy and pressure, allowing water to flow powerfully to people and places in the community when released. 

• What purpose do water towers serve for a community?

• As you look at the photos, what do you notice about the size and height of the water towers? 
• Why do you think the water is stored so high up?
• How do you think water gets in the tower? 
• How might water be distributed from the water tower to people? 
• What are some ways water towers impact you? 
• Why are water towers important to communities? 

Students could:

• In groups, build towers out of classroom materials (such as tubing, plastic cups, etc.) that can store and move water. 
• Research water towers from all over the world and compare and contrast to determine which water tower structure might work best.  
• Create diagrams to show how energy is stored and transferred through a water tower. 
• Perform skits to demonstrate different ways water towers have an impact on our lives.

• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) | Water Tower Challenge Lesson Plan: Adaptable lesson plan for ages 8-18. Team-based activity where students must collaborate to build their own water tower using classroom materials and engineering design principles. Provides thorough instructions, necessary background concepts, vocabulary, and a video for teachers to use as a guide. 
• Trenton Waterworks | Water Towers Visual Diagram: A simple diagram that demonstrates how water towers work. 
• Wonderopolis | How Do Water Towers Work?:Article exploring the science being water towers.