A drone view of the California Department of Water Resources’ South Delta Temporary Barriers Project that helps maintain water levels in the south Delta. Temporary rock barriers have been installed at Old River near Tracy, Middle River, and Grant Line Canal, and aim to provide sufficient water amid pumping plant exports for agricultural activities.
Nick Shockey
California Department of Water Resources
Construction work at three channels in the southern end of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta wrapped up Friday as part of the annual California Department of Water Resources South Delta Temporary Barriers Project, according to the department.
Three temporary rock barriers have been constructed across South Delta channels to maintain water levels for agricultural activities in the South Delta. The project, undertaken in coordination with the South Delta Water Agency, was intended to offset impacts from water exports by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project pumping plants.
A drone view of the California Department of Water Resources’ South Delta Temporary Barriers Project that helps maintain water levels in the south Delta. Temporary rock barriers have been installed at Old River near Tracy, Middle River, and Grant Line Canal, and aim to provide sufficient water amid pumping plant exports for agricultural activities. Nick Shockey California Department of Water Resources
The barriers, which are constructed annually at Old River near Tracy, Middle River and Grant Line Canal beginning as early as May 1, are scheduled to be removed by Nov. 30, weather permitting. In the interim, the Department of Water Resources is providing portage services for boats navigating the waterways.
An image of a sign intended for boaters navigating the waterways as the California Department of Water Resources’ South Delta Temporary Barriers Project, which helps maintain water levels in the south Delta, goes underway. Temporary rock barriers have been installed at Old River near Tracy, Middle River, and Grant Line Canal, and aim to provide sufficient water amid pumping plant exports for agricultural activities. Nick Shockey California Department of Water Resources
The department is also advancing plans for the South Delta Gates project, which would replace the temporary rock barriers with permanent operable gates.
A drone view of the California Department of Water Resources’ South Delta Temporary Barriers Project that helps maintain water levels in the south Delta. Temporary rock barriers have been installed at Old River near Tracy, Middle River, and Grant Line Canal, and aim to provide sufficient water amid pumping plant exports for agricultural activities. Nick Shockey California Department of Water Resources
The annual milestone arrives just as the Delta Conveyance Project received federal clearance to advance construction this week. The project, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to increase water supply reliability and reduce climate-related water losses. By 2040, California is expected to lose about 10% of its water supply because of hotter and drier conditions, according to a statement released Friday by the Governor’s Office.
Reeti Malhotra is a 2026 summer reporting intern for The Sacramento Bee covering breaking news. She is a junior at Yale University, where she works as a city beat reporter and personal essay staff writer for the Yale Daily News.
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