Bethany Dams Improvement Project
A drone aerial view of Bethany Dams and Reservoir, located on the California Aqueduct and downstream from the Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant. The reservoir serves as the forebay for the South Bay Pumping Plant and recreational opportunities in Alameda County.
The Bethany Dams Improvement Project included improvement repairs to the Bethany Forebay Dam and four auxiliary dams in Alameda County. The rodent prevention portion of the project was completed in 2022. In 2023, the Bethany Forebay Dam low level outlet will be improved.
The 110-foothigh earthen embankment Bethany Forebay Dam and four saddle dams were completed from 1961 to 1967 and impounds Bethany Reservoir. Construction for physical security upgrades, such as gates and cameras, at Bethany Dam is planned by summer 2023 to end of 2024.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) routinely inspects Bethany Dams and their associated facilities to ensure they remain safe and are performing as intended. Inspections by DWR and independent consultants deem Bethany Dams and Reservoir safe for continued use and are being operated and maintained properly.
Located 10 miles northwest of Tracy, Bethany Reservoir serves several purposes, such as a forebay for the South Bay Pumping Plant (the start of the South Bay Aqueduct of the State Water Project), afterbay for Banks Pumping Plant, conveyance facility for the California Aqueduct, and recreational facility that includes picnicking, boating, biking, and hiking.
The Project
DWR completed the following maintenance activities as part of the Bethany Dams and Reservoir Improvement Project:
- restoration measures – excavate and backfill each downstream dam face to repair rodent holes and erosion areas.
- preventative measures – place downstream embankment rock slope protection with wire mesh underlayment to prevent future rodent burrowing.
Project Components
What to Expect
- Bethany Reservoir State Recreation area is open to the public. For more information, visit the CA Parks website.
- As part of on-going maintenance and other improvements, DWR may be operating construction equipment and transporting materials to the site. Some localized noise and increased activity may be expected at times.
- The dam crest road is closed to vehicle traffic.
Contact Us
For more information on the Bethany Dams Improvement Project, contact:
or call Maggie Macias at: (916) 820-7662