Abstract: A direct forced counterflow cooling tower apparatus includes concrete side walls having L-shaped troughs located at the lower ends thereof. The cooling tower includes a liquid distribution system, fill material located below the liquid distribution system, a drainage collection system located below the fill material and a fan located below the drainage collection system. Liquid is supplied to the tower and is distributed on top of the fill material. The liquid will pass downward therethrough and will be collected by the drainage collection system. The drainage collection system will communicate the liquid to the troughs located at the lower end of the longitudinal side walls. A modular cooling tower construction includes the cooling tower apparatus in combination with at least one additional cooling tower apparatus.