City to conduct water system test to prepare for future connection

The City of Sioux Falls is preparing to strengthen its drinking water supply and reliability with a new third connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. Prior to completing the new connection, however, the city will conduct a simulated shutdown of the current Lewis and Clark connection at Benson Road on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. Residents and businesses in and around Foundation Park in northwest Sioux Falls may experience temporary water pressure changes as the simulated shutdown is completed.

Water will remain safe to drink and use during the shutdown, and the city does not anticipate any impacts to water quality. The city has been in close communication with industrial and commercial businesses in the area that may experience impacts to their fire suppression systems due to the temporary water pressure decrease.

"Ultimately, this new connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System will give the city greater flexibility to maintain high-quality, reliable water service as Sioux Falls continues to grow," said Ryan Johnson, utility administrator for the city. "We are coordinating closely with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and affected customers to manage the temporary pressure changes safely during the simulated shutdown and future construction of the third connection."

Following a successful shutdown simulation, the city will determine a construction timeline for bringing the third Lewis and Clark connection online, likely in mid-November. Once construction starts, it is anticipated to last about 10 days. Businesses and residents in the affected area will again experience temporary water pressure decreases during that time. Water will remain safe to drink and use during construction as well.

The third connection to Lewis and Clark is currently being constructed near 12th Street on the west side of Sioux Falls. The new connection will add to the city's drinking water supply and provide flexibility and redundancy during maintenance and potential emergencies.

Residents and businesses with questions may contact the city's Public Works department at 605-367-8600 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For emergencies or after-hours assistance, call 211.