Inflatable Rubber Dam Goes Up On Russian River

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- Sonoma County Water Agency crews today began inflating a rubber dam on the Russian River at Forestville.

Temporary dams were used in the last two years as part of the nearly completed Mirabel Fish Passage Improvement Project to protect endangered fish in the Russian River, according to the water agency.

The dam creates a small pool of water for use in four off-stream infiltration ponds that recharge groundwater that is filtered through sand and gravel and delivered to the agency's customers.

The Russian River water supply system provides naturally filtered drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in portions of Marin and Sonoma counties.

Swimming and other water recreation is prohibited on or near the dam and fishing is prohibited within 250 feet of the upstream and downstream sides of the dam.

Boaters must portage around the rubber dam downstream of Wohler Bridge.

The agency's River Diversion System Project is scheduled to be completed in the fall. It includes a new and improved fish screen, an improved fish ladder for adult and juvenile salmon moving upstream or
downstream and a viewing gallery.

Thousands of school children take field trips to the fish ladder and viewing gallery each year.

• Also see: Man Found In 2015 Floating In Mare Island Waters Still Unidentified

--Bay City News/Image courtesy of Sonoma County Water Agency on Facebook