Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

This work is currently in storage for refurbishment.

The artist designed and fabricated this piece to function as a fountain and a wind vane. The name of the piece, Hydrotifyer, refers to the rotifer microbe from which the artist derived the shape of the wind vane atop the sculpture. Treatment plant operators can monitor the wind vane atop the sculpture to determine the direction of a hazard during a gas leak emergency.



Looking at Hydrotifyer reminds one of the ability to reuse and recycle items that are often thrown away. By using materials directly from the site, the 30-foot high kinetic sculpture works to illustrate how water treatment works as a process while reusing resources once discarded.

The work is composed of discarded parts from the plant’s operations and hand formed steel shapes representing the microbes that are active in the water treatment process. The water used in the fountain comes from treated water from the plant. As this water moves through the sculpture, it activates a series of wheels, paddles, and shapes symbolizing the treatment of wastewater.

About the Artist
Evan Lewis’ kinetic, wind-powered sculptures have been commissioned by a number of private and corporate collectors. His designs can be seen in several public art projects nationwide. Lewis is based in Chicago where he designs hand-built furniture and art objects with his wife, Sandra.