1,200 linear feet of double-ply 4ft tall AquaDams were installed in three different locations to prevent erosion during wetland restoration. Due to anticipated high water flows in the adjacent Upper Truckee River, preventing eroded sediment from entering Lake Tahoe was a priority

The Lake Tahoe Water Authority is renowned for its stringent regulations regarding water quality. The sign prominently showcases the various government agencies involved in this project. Ensuring high water quality was the primary focus during the wetlands restoration process.

The initial AquaDam was successfully deployed at work site number one, where it was carefully unrolled and positioned. Discharge hoses were then inserted into the fill-tubes, initiating the filling process. The primary objective was to safeguard the newly-established wetlands from potential high water levels in the Upper Truckee River. Significant resources have been allocated towards the grading and seeding of the reclaimed areas, underscoring the importance of this preservation effort.

Once the first AquaDam was filled with water, another is put in place at the closed end and attached using a connection collar. It is then rolled out and laid in position just like the first. Placement was critical, as the AquaDams had to be as close to the Upper Truckee River as possible. The brown grass alongside the AquaDam was imported sod which was very expensive.

A view of the fill-tubes of the attached AquaDam. The fill-tubes come up through holes in the connection collar which is attached to the closed end of the previously installed AquaDam. After filling, the discharge hoses can be removed, and the fill-tubes should be secured in an upright position to ensure that no water drains out. A piece of the wooden beam that the AquaDam came rolled up on has been inserted between the fill-tubes to help hold them up.

This AquaDam connection still has a blue discharge hose inserted into its fill-tubes so that it can be easily topped off by adding more water. These AquaDams will remain in place for many years with no problem.

A view from the start of work site number one, looking along the length of the multiple 100ft long lengths of AquaDams. They have been connected together to make a continuous 400ft long water-filled barrier. The nearby Upper Truckee River provides easy access to water to refill the AquaDams, if needed.

This 4ft tall 200ft long AquaDam was started from the bank at work site number three. The AquaDams are unrolled by hand and then filled with water. This way they can be placed in the desired location next to the silt fence. You can see the elevation difference of the far bank where the AquaDam starts. This bank will hold the water inside the AquaDam and is referred to as the starting bank. To ensure proper installation and functionality of a single closed end (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.

The start of the 4ft tall AquaDam at work site number three. The steepness of the bank here cannot be seen from this angle. The worker is rolling the fill-tubes so that they can be placed inside the outer sleeve to help protect them. The fill-tubes were left long so that if there was ever a need, they can be used to connect this unit to the end of another AquaDam to continue the length.

The extended fill-tubes were rolled up, tied off, and tucked into the outer sleeve of the AquaDam, which was then secured closed. Coir mats and seeding has all taken place, and now time must pass to allow for things to grow. The AquaDams will be periodically checked and recharged with water, if needed.

This is work area number two, which was approximately 150ft long. Two 4ft tall AquaDams were abutted into one another from opposite directions. This way, both AquaDams could be easily filled from their open ends. The dam on the right was overfilled to approximately 5ft in height.

The fill-tubes of the overfilled AquaDam are rolled up and tucked inside the outer sleeve. Notice how the other end gets shorter as it extends up the slope of the bank.

The sod has grown quite a bit in the month since the AquaDams were first installed. The coir matting has not yet produced any sprouts.

Looking across the newly created wetlands at work site number three. All of these AquaDams were installed in two days.

An overview of work site number two. You can see the bulge of the overfilled AquaDam.

The 400ft long section of AquaDam can be seen in the background of this picture, looking across the newly forming wetlands. The AquaDams are providing high water protection from the Upper Truckee River so that the loose fill material will not erode into Lake Tahoe.

Happy Canadian geese have already found their spot in the newly created wetlands. A little bit of water goes a long way in providing the ideal habitat for many aquatic creatures.