Inside ‘Big Blue:’ 5M gallon water reservoir resealed for another two decades

$1.3M recondition project finishes under budget, anticipated to extend life of tank for at least 20 years

The sealing of a doorway torched into the south side of the city of Sioux Falls' 5-million-gallon water reservoir on Wednesday marked the completion of the facility’s first overhaul in two decades.

Crews are putting the finishing touches on a total reconditioning of the inside and outside of "Big Blue" — that’s how Sioux Falls Public Works employees affectionately refer to the massive water tank that towers over Minnesota Avenue near the airport in the north end of the city.

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