Sioux Falls completes major Water Reclamation upgrade
November 19, 2025Improved treatment and stronger power systems fuel the city’s future
Last summer, Sioux Falls, SD flipped the switch on Circuit 13. The 5.5-mile underground power line was built to power critical city services, with a triple layer of protection to ensure continuous, uninterrupted operation.
Now, the city has reached another milestone: the completed expansion and renovation of its Water Reclamation Facility.
The upgraded plant gives Sioux Falls much needed capacity for community growth.
The project also offer newer equipment, safer operations, and stronger backup systems.
Building for the future
The original wastewater plant was completed in 1986. It could treat 21 million gallons per day, an appropriate size when Sioux Falls had a population of just under 98,000.
Today, Sioux Falls has more than 219,000 residents and is projected to reach 370,000 by 2050.
The expanded facility increases treatment capacity to 30 million gallons per day. This will support the city’s growing population as well as nearby communities that rely on Sioux Falls for wastewater treatment.
Other improvements include modernized infrastructure and components, advanced treatment technology, and energy efficient system operations.
“This is a transformational project for Sioux Falls and the region,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Our investment in the Water Reclamation Facility ensures that we are not only meeting the needs of today’s residents and businesses, but also positioning our community to grow and thrive for decades to come.”
Powering the project
The Water Reclamation Facility is served by Circuit 13. The line provides enhanced reliability and capacity through a triple layer of redundant power.
The facility is also powered through the Energy ONE Incentive from Heartland Energy.
The program provides a special energy-only rate for new electric loads with a demand of one megawatt or larger for the first few years of operation. Typically, heavy electricity users pay a separate demand charge to ensure capacity is always available.
The incentive helps the city manage costs as the expanded plant comes online.
Traffic, Light and Power Superintendent Jerry Jongeling says stable electric bills and strengthened power systems are key to planning ahead.
“This project helps us stay ahead of growth,” he said. “Circuit 13 gives us reliable power, and programs like the Energy ONE Incentive help us bring new facilities online in a responsible, affordable way.”
Long-term win
The $215 million Water Reclamation Facility is the largest infrastructure project in Sioux Falls history.
With the expansion complete–and the power system in place to support it–the city is well-positioned to serve a growing region.
Investments like this are essential for economic development, said Heartland Energy Director of Economic Development Casey Crabtree.
“Smart infrastructure planning sets the stage for long-term success. This project ensures Sioux Falls can welcome new families, support new jobs and remain a strong, vibrant community.”
