Murals and More

Purpose of Artwork:

The City of Sioux Falls’ storm drainage system is an important public utility and plays a vital role in public safety by quickly collecting water from precipitation before it can accumulate and cause flooding. However, water that moves through the storm drainage system is discharged directly into the Big Sioux River with little or no treatment. Beginning in 2016, the City of Sioux Falls has partnered with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to paint murals on stormwater inlets downtown to help raise awareness of the effect stormwater runoff has on water quality. The purpose of this project is to draw attention to the storm drainage system and to educate the public that stormwater is not treated. These paintings are intended to bring awareness to potential pollutants such as litter, debris, and hazardous chemicals entering the storm drainage system. 

Artist: Kristine Reiner

The scene above is meant to demonstrate the human control over animal life. Our carelessness leaves detrimental impacts to these environments, we need to realize our actions have global repercussions. The fish above aren’t able to distinguish what is safe and what is a hazard, the responsibility falls on us alone. Once they cross into the plastic side, we can’t get them back.