Local Artists Turn Storm Drains Into Community Art

Sioux Falls is turning storm drains into art for a powerful purpose.

Since 2016, Sioux Falls has teamed up with local artists, businesses, and organizations to transform stormwater inlets downtown into vibrant, eye-catching murals. But these works of art are more than just decoration—they’re a call to action.

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Storm drains play a vital role in protecting public safety by quickly channeling rainwater away from streets to prevent flooding.

However, most people don’t realize that this water flows directly into the Big Sioux River—without treatment. That means anything that enters the storm drainage system, from trash to motor oil, ends up in the river.

The mural project helps educate the community about this important connection between city streets and local water quality. Each painting serves as a reminder to keep pollutants like litter, leaves, and chemicals out of the drains.

What is the process for choosing these unique works of art?

Dakota News Now is reporting that artists got to submit their designs this spring, and the Sioux Falls Visual Arts Committee voted on all the entries, and the winners got to bring their designs to life on the inlet lids.

Through creativity and collaboration, Sioux Falls is raising awareness and protecting one of its most valuable natural resources.

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So, the next time you're downtown, take a look down—you might see more than a painting. You might see a message about keeping the Big Sioux River clean.

Source: Dakota News Now