The first year of the competition was in 1989, where all the teams were inexperienced and not exactly knowing what to expect.

The competiton was originally developed to give distribution operatives the opportunity to be involved in a national event and to receive recognition for the service they provide to the public. The first contest was held at Watertec '89 at the NEC Birmingham. Twenty-six teams entered the first competiton, which was won by North Surrey Water Company and, in each subsequent year as the competition has developed, more teams have participated and the times have continued to improve.