Water Towers

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. 

Driving Question

• What purpose do water towers serve for a community?

Probing Questions

• 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? 

Classroom Suggestions

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.

Relevant Related Resources

• Water Tower Challenge Lesson Plan - IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): 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. 
• For The Love of Water Towers by N. Jensen: A children’s book that includes pictures of both real & imagined water towers. 
• Water tower visual diagram: A simple diagram that demonstrates how water towers work. 
• How do water towers work?: 4:30 minute video that explains how water towers work with visuals and explanations.
• Why do we have water towers?: Short article providing teacher background knowledge on the purpose of water towers, as well as how they work.