Service has started on a new water tower near parking lot 75, northwest of the University of Iowa’s football practice fields. The tower will replace the existing one near Hawkins Drive, which was approved for demolition in June 2025. 

UI Facilities Senior Director of Strategic Communications for Finance and Operations Wendy Moorehead said the construction of the new tower, demolition of the old tower, and the water system connection are estimated to cost $25 million, fully funded by UI Health Care. Moorehead said the new water tower will increase capacity and reliability at the UI. 

The tower will start service within the first week of March and will be gradually filled to capacity during the second week. When the tower goes into service, the water will remain usable and safe to drink, and there will be no impacts on road closures during the construction and start-up process.