Engineering a fish-safe intake and pump station to meet today’s water-delivery challenges

Sutter Extension Water District Pump Station

Along the Feather River near Live Oak, California, an aging pump station relies on a dam to maintain water levels that represents a partial barrier for adult fish passage. Species include Central Valley fall-run and spring-run Chinook salmon, Southern Distinct Population Segment (sDPS) green sturgeon, and Central Valley steelhead. The Sutter Extension Water District reached out to our team to help them solve this challenge.

We led the engineering design to replace the old facility with a modern, fish-screened intake and pump station—creating a nature-based solution that improved water reliability while supporting long-term environmental stewardship. The upgraded system will continue to deliver up to 235 cubic feet per second (6.7 cubic metres per second) to meet regional water needs while protecting native fish species. Five 14-foot (4.3-metre) cone-shaped screens draw water from the river, blocking debris and preventing fish from entering. Automated brushes and water jets keep the screens clean and reduce sediment buildup for smooth operation. Housed in a secure concrete structure, the station runs efficiently with limited impact on its surroundings.

By rebuilding within the original footprint, this project demonstrated how infrastructure improvements can align with ecological goals such as enhancing water reliability, safeguarding aquatic life, and supporting long-term resilience for the region.