South Delta Temporary Barriers Project

Agricultural barrier on Old River near Tracy

Agricultural barrier on Old River near Tracy, California. DWR

The South Delta Temporary Barriers Project mitigates water level impacts associated with export operations at the Central Valley Project’s Jones Pumping Plant and State Water Project’s Banks Pumping Plant in the South Delta. Our goal is to provide adequate water levels for South Delta water users so that agricultural activities can continue without interruption.

As conditions warrant and in coordination with the South Delta Water Agency, three temporary rock barriers are built across the South Delta channels listed below beginning as soon as May 1 and then removed by November 30 each year:

  • Agricultural barrier at Old River near Tracy
  • Agricultural barrier at Middle River
  • Agricultural barrier at Grant Line Canal

The temporary barriers maintain water levels in the South Delta. Installation and removal dates are based on conditions of DWR’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement and Incidental Take Permit, other regulatory permits, and various Temporary Entry Permits required from landowners and local reclamation districts.

Temporary Barriers Update

All three temporary barriers have been removed from the channels as of November 22, 2024.  DWR plans to install the barriers again in 2025, starting on May 1 if hydrological and other conditions allow.

Temporary Barriers Boat Portage Hours

Boat portage is available after closure of the weirs at Old River near Tracy and Grant Line Canal.  Boaters with v-hull boats 25 feet or less can utilize the portage facilities during the times listed below.  Boat tenders utilize a universal trailer to move boats over the barrier, and the service is free of charge.

    Mon  Tue  Wed  Thru  Fri  Sat  Sun 
Old River at Tracy 8 a.m.
to
6 p.m. 		8 a.m.
to
6 p.m. 		8 a.m.
to
6 p.m. 		8 a.m.
to
6 p.m. 		8 a.m.
to
6 p.m. 		7 a.m.
to
7 p.m. 		7 a.m.
to
7 p.m.
Grant Line Canal 6 a.m.
to
8 p.m. 		6 a.m.
to
8 p.m. 		6 a.m.
to
8 p.m. 		6 a.m.
to
8 p.m. 		6 a.m.
to
8 p.m. 		6 a.m.
to
8 p.m. 		6 a.m.
to
8 p.m.

Temporary Barriers Installation History

Reports

Contact Information

To subscribe to the Temporary Barriers weekly update mailing list, email SDTBP@water.ca.gov. 

For project-related inquiries, contact:

Bill McLaughlin 
Department of Water Resources
Division of Operations and Maintenance
Water Initiatives Planning and Management Branch 
Delta Water Infrastructure Management Section
Phone: (916) 873-5748
Email: William.McLaughlin@water.ca.gov

 

 

Tags

Agriculture Delta