1.) This was the first installation of AquaDams at Fritz Fresh Mushrooms in Watsonville, California for water storage purposes. The first single closed end (SCE) AquaDam has been set at its starting bank. AquaDams are delivered in a rolled-up form, similar to a carpet roll on a wooden beam. They are wrapped in a protective covering and include lifting ropes or straps for easy transportation.

2.) The first SCE AquaDam has been launched from its starting bank. To ensure proper installation and functionality of a SCE AquaDam, it is essential to have a starting bank that maintains a higher elevation than the body of the AquaDam. The open end and fill-tubes of the SCE AquaDam must remain elevated above the full height of the dam along its designated path. It is important to note that an AquaDam will only reach its maximum height at the lowest elevation point along its designated path.

3.) The second SCE AquaDam has been set on it’s starting bank, ready to be deployed.

4.) As the AquaDam is filled with water, the pressure from the water inside the fill-tubes pushes against the roll end, causing it to gradually unroll.

5.) The first SCE AquaDam is almost as tall as it’s starting bank and the second one is still filling.

6.) The starting bank for these SCE AquaDams appears to be only 6 feet in height, based on the height of the two gentlemen standing nearby who are approximately 6 feet tall.

7.) A new berm was constructed at a higher elevation in order to accommodate the height of the SCE AquaDams. The berm was built using concrete blocks, with sand and gravel carefully laid on on one side to create a smooth and even surface for the AquaDams to launch from.

8.) A liner was installed beneath the AquaDams to serve as a protective barrier.

9.) This photo shows the backside of the starting bank where the open end and fill-tubes are. The open end and fill-tubes must be elevated above the full height of the SCE AquaDam in order for it to retain the water inside of it. Here the open end and fill-tubes have been laid over the backside of it’s starting bank. Suction hoses were used here so that workers could discharge or draw water depending on the need.

10.) The SCE AquaDam has been launched and is being filled with water. The pressure of the water being pumped into the AquaDam pushes on the inside of the roll causing it to unroll.

11.) The SCE AquaDam must be secured at it’s starting bank, so that the open end and fill-tubes do not move. If the open end or fill-tubes had not been secured and fell off to the side, the dam could drain all of the water out.

12.) A second SCE AquaDam was launched for additional water storage.

13.) Workers secure the open end and fill-tubes of the second SCE AquaDam.

14.) The first SCE AquaDam continues to be filled with water. The size and amount of pumps will determine how fast the AquaDam will fill. It is recommend to use pairs of pumps, equal rates to each fill-tube.

15.) The two SCE AquaDam continue to be filled with water.

16.) Here are the closed ends of the two SCE AquaDams. The longer one, in the foreground, has a turn near its closed end.

17.) The SCE AquaDam continued around the corner to the left.

18.) Looking back at the starting bank for these AquaDams, this bank is much higher in elevation than the original.

19.) Both AquaDams look like they are getting close to being full.

20.) As an AquaDam is filled, the sides begin to round out and the top becomes more solid.

21.) The black material at the center of this photo is a specialized AquaDam custom-made for this project. The dam is encased in a plastic tube to contain any leaks and allow for the water to be pumped back into the AquaDams if necessary.

23.) Three SCE AquaDams have been installed and are not quite full yet.

24.) A close up photo of the starting bank for the SCE AquaDams. Notice that this bank still allows for several more feet of freeboard.

25.) The three SCE AquaDams are up and storing water for the farmers.

26.) Sandbags were laid to help stabilize loose material of the AquaDam during heavy winds. Fantastic job AquaDam!