Indiana Water Environment Association

Annual Conference

August 20th – 22nd, 2025 at the Indianapolis Convention Center

WATER FEST

Thursday, August 21st | 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Join IWEA as we take over Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis for Water Fest—an exciting new event celebrating all things water!

This event is open to conference attendees and the community, featuring food trucks, beverage vendors, and street games that bring a playful spirit to our shared mission. IWEA committees and water-focused groups will host activities and help highlight the importance of clean water in fun, approachable ways.

And don’t miss the highlight of the night—the Toilet Bowl Races! Cheer on teams as they race their hand-built, toilet-powered vehicles down Georgia Street in a competition that promises laughter, creativity, and some serious bragging rights.

Come celebrate the essential role water plays in our lives—with great food, good company, and a whole lot of fun.

Featuring

Event Schedule

  • 5:00 PM – Event opens to conference attendees & the general public
  • 5:15 PM – Toilet Bowl Races begin
  • 6:00 PM – Toilet Bowl awards issued
  • 6:15 PM – Open for food, drinks, and activities
  • 7:00 PM – Event closes

Also Featuring

  • Food Trucks (to be announced)
  • Beverage Vendors (to be announced)
  • Activities (to be announced)
  • Non-Profit Groups (to be announced)

Toilet Bowl Races

What is this? A hilarious, high-energy race that draws attention to water and wastewater issues, engages the public, and highlights IWEA’s mission — all while racing toilets down Georgia Street using nothing but plungers.

How do we compete? Form your team of 2-4 participants, register via the form below, and build your vehicle!

What are the rules? To keep everyone safe and sound, we have just a few rules to follow.

  1. Build Guidelines
  • Each team must construct and decorate a custom, toilet-themed “vehicle” (the “bowl”).
  • A real or replica toilet must be visibly incorporated into the design.
  • The vehicle must have wheels for movement and be no larger than:
    • 4 ft wide x 6 ft long x 6 ft high
    • Max weight: 200 lbs (excluding team members)
  • No engines, motors, pedals, or steering mechanisms are allowed.
  • Must be stable, safe, and structurally sound—subject to inspection by IWEA staff.
  1. Plunger Propulsion Only
  • Teams must propel their vehicle forward using plungers (supplied or approved by IWEA).
  • No pushing or pulling from teammates is allowed.
  • The vehicle may carry one seated rider (the “Captain of the Bowl”), who uses plungers to move the vehicle down the course.
  • Plungers must make contact with the ground—no dragging, throwing, or towing allowed.
  1. Safety Rules
  • Helmets and closed-toe shoes required for the Captain of the Bowl (rider).
  • No intentional contact with other teams or unsportsmanlike behavior.
  • Vehicles must pass a pre-race safety inspection.
  • IWEA reserves the right to disqualify entries for safety concerns or rule violations.

Toilet Bowl Team Registration