Education
KC Metro Model Water Tower Competition
Design. Build. Compete. Join the 2027 Model Water Tower Competition!
KC Water and MO-AWWA is partnering to host the annual Model Water Tower Competition (MWTC). The Model Water Tower Competition is a hands-on STEM challenge that introduces 4-6 grade students to engineering, water infrastructure, and problem-solving through a fun and engaging design competition.
Students are challenged to design and build a functional model water tower that meets specific size and height requirements. Throughout the project, participants apply engineering principles to create a tower that is structurally efficient, holds water without leaking, fills and drains quickly, is visually appealing, and minimizes construction costs.
The competition provides students with an opportunity to learn about the three primary components of a water tower:
- Elevated water tank
- Riser pipe
- Supporting structure
Using limited design specifications, students will practice critical thinking, innovation, and engineering design as they develop and refine their water tower models.
Judging Criteria
On competition day, each model will be inspected and tested to ensure it meets all competition requirements. Towers will be evaluated in four categories:
- Structural Efficiency
- Cost Efficiency
- Hydraulic Efficiency
- Design Ingenuity
Who May Enter?
Participation is free and open to 4-6th grade students from public, private, and homeschool settings. Students may compete individually or as part of a team of up to four students.
Registration and Competition Timeline
- Optional Teacher Orientation Meeting (virtual): 11/6/2026
- Registration Deadline: November 20, 2026
- Project Submission Due: February 12, 2027
- Finalists Notified: March 10, 2027
- Competition Date: April 21, 2027, 10:00 – 12:30
- Competition Location: 4700 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, MO
The competition is limited to 30 teams. A maximum of four teams may register per class. All registered teams must submit a photo and description of their Model Water Tower by February 12, 2027. Up to 30 teams will be selected to advance to the final competition.
Why Participate?
The Model Water Tower Competition gives students the opportunity to:
- Explore real-world engineering concepts
- Learn how water towers support community water systems
- Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Apply STEM principles through hands-on learning
- Showcase creativity and innovation in design
Registration information and competition resources are available through the links below
2027 KC Model Water Tower Competition Packet
Links for Lesson Plans and Videos for Teachers
Link to sign-up for virtual info meeting for teachers/students:
Teams meeting link: Teacher MWTC Orientation Meeting (virtual) | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
For questions email: lien.nguyen@kcmo.org
What to Bring to Competition Day
- Model Water Tower
- Materials List & receipts
- Release form for each student