Sioux Falls completes $215 million wastewater infrastructure expansion

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has officially completed the largest infrastructure project in its history — a $215 million expansion of the city’s Water Reclamation Facility. The project, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week, marks a major milestone in strengthening wastewater capacity and supporting long-term regional growth. 

The expanded facility increases Sioux Falls’ sewer treatment capacity from 21 million to 30 million gallons per day. Located near North 60th Street and Sycamore Avenue along the Big Sioux River, the upgraded plant serves more than 250,000 residents across Sioux Falls and neighboring communities, including Tea, Brandon, and Renner.

Construction began in 2022 and spanned three and a half years. Funding for the $215 million project included $180 million from state revolving funds and $41.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. City officials say the investment ensures the wastewater system can keep pace with population growth, economic expansion, and new development across the metropolitan area.

Originally built in the 1980s when Sioux Falls’ population was under 100,000, the Water Reclamation Facility has undergone significant modernization to meet today’s regulatory and environmental standards. The latest improvements include new treatment processes, expanded capacity, and enhanced operational efficiency designed to serve the region for decades.

“This is a transformational project for Sioux Falls and the region,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken in a statement, emphasizing that the investment positions the city to “grow and thrive for decades to come.”

With construction complete, the upgraded facility now provides a stronger foundation for sustainable growth, improved water quality, and continued reliability across one of South Dakota’s fastest-growing urban regions.

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