Stormwater and Drainage

What We Do

Safely convey urban runoff to the Big Sioux River through storm sewers, open channel drainageways, and Best Management Practices (BMP’s), including in-stream storm water detention and retention basins that are in compliance with EPA regulations.

Division Summary

The City established a storm drainage fee in 1982 as a charge on real estate property to fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expense of the storm sewer and drainage system. This fee is based on lot area, runoff weighting factor, and unit financial charge. Proceeds from this fee are used to fund the various activities of Public Works personnel involved in drainage projects.

The storm drainage fee annually generates over $10 million in revenue to fund various City drainage projects. The City currently owns and maintains over 570 miles of storm sewer and drainage channels, approximately 200 detention and/or water quality ponds, and over 114 miles of sump pump collection pipe.

The Drainage System Cost Recovery (DSCR) continues to fund initiatives to design and construct regional Best Management Practices (BMP’s) while the Regional Detention Charge (RDC) provides the funds necessary to purchase real estate necessary for the construction of regional BMP’s. The DSCR and RDC are intended to provide the resources necessary for the construction of stormwater management facilities for new developments and significant redevelopments.

Report a Concern

To report a problem with stormwater or drainage, please fill out one of our request forms. Choosing the correct category helps us get your message to the right person quickly.

When you fill out the form, please include the location, a short description of the problem, and any photos you can take. Only take photos if it is safe for you to do so.

Use “Drainage Concerns” for:

Ponds
Drainageways
Stormwater pollution

portal request example for drainage concerns

Use “Storm Drain Concerns” for:

Damaged storm drains
Obstructions causing excessive pooling of stormwater
Or excessive collections of sediment or debris from construction activities

portal request example for storm drain concerns

Report a Concern

Active Projects

Inlet Rehab

Inlet Rehab at Various Locations

Each year, the City of Sioux Falls designs and bids a project to repair or replace damaged and outdated portions of the City’s storm sewer system. The storm sewer system is continuously inspected for deficiencies and maintenance needs. Based on these inspections, several improvements are designed and constructed annually. Work typically consists of replacing inlets and junction boxes, replacing concrete aprons, repairing storm sewer joints, and other miscellaneous storm sewer improvements.

Sump Pump Collection System Retrofit

To remove nuisance sump pump discharge in existing neighborhoods, the City may install a collection system. The collector pipes are directional bored between the curb and sidewalk to minimize yard disturbance. The homeowners creating the nuisance discharge will be required to connect their hose to the system. City Engineering determines the neighborhoods for improvement based on the amount of nuisance and petitioning signatures.

Download a Petition for Public Improvement