South Delta Temporary Barriers Project
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 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
- An Evaluation of Juvenile Salmonid Routing and Barrier Effectiveness, Predation, and Predatory Fishes at the Head of Old River, 2009-2012
- Effects of the South Delta Agricultural Barriers on Emigrating Juvenile Salmonids
- Evaluation of Salinity Patterns and Effects of Tidal Flows and Temporary Barriers in South Delta Channels
- Effects of the South Delta Temporary Barriers on Dissolved Oxygen
Contact Information
To subscribe to the Temporary Barriers weekly update mailing list or for more information on this project, email SDTBP@water.ca.gov.