Sioux Falls to give 'Big Blue' a facelift

At 35 years old, Sioux Falls' 5-million gallon drinking water reservoir needs some attention

(City of Sioux Falls)

A major Sioux Falls landmark — and a key component of the city's drinking water system — is getting a makeover estimated to cost nearly $2 million.

The Sioux Falls Public Works Department next year will overhaul its five-million-gallon reservoir at the city's water purification plant in the north end of the city. And the complete "reconditioning" of "Big Blue" — as city staff affectionately refer to the massive tank that towers over Minnesota Avenue just south of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport — will include work both inside and out.

At 35 years old, the reservoir will get a full abrasive blast, essentially sandblasting, and recoating on the interior and exterior, along with steel fabrication that will extend its service life and bring it up to modern industry standards.

NEWS: The poverty trap - For 11 S.D. counties, there’s no escape