Reclamation District No. 1004
Project Date: August 2019 – Spring 2020
Canal Structural Restoration & Revenue Protection
A comprehensive restoration of the cement-lined delivery system in Colusa, California, to eliminate seepage and stabilize the infrastructure against dynamic water levels.
Project Scope
Cement-Lined Canal Restoration
Primary Issue
Severe Cracking & Water Loss
System Used
High-Flex AquaLastic® Barrier
Environmental Factor
High River Flows and Dynamic Water Levels
Result
Watertight Seal and Board Approval
We’ve tried everything to make repairs with no luck. After two years of vetting, we applied AquaLastic® to our 20-year-old concrete system. So far, we haven't had any new cracks or old cracks re-opening.
Terry Bressler, District Manager RD1004
We’ve tried everything to make repairs with no luck. After two years of vetting, we applied AquaLastic® to our 20-year-old concrete system. So far, we haven't had any new cracks or old cracks re-opening.
Terry Bressler, District Manager RD1004
The Challenge
Deteriorating Infrastructure & Budgetary Risk
Reclamation District 1004 faced a critical failure in their cement-lined delivery system. Severe cracking was leading to significant water loss and undermining the canal’s structural integrity. The district required a solution that was more durable than traditional patches but more cost-effective than a total concrete replacement, which would have been financially prohibitive.
The Solution
Bridging the Gap Between Rigid Concrete and Shifting Soil
Following a technical site assessment, AquaLastic® was selected for its 900% elongation properties. To ensure the investment was sound, the district’s board reviewed historical performance data and visited active project sites to witness the material’s bond strength and rapid-cure application firsthand. The result provided a flexible, long-term barrier that survives the soil movement and hydraulic pressures of the region.
Key Technical Steps
Strategic Mobilization
We coordinated precise water shut-off windows with the District to ensure a prepared substrate for maximum bonding. By performing the application during optimal temperature windows, we guaranteed total adhesion while allowing critical canal functions to continue without daytime disruption.
Molecular Thermal Fusion
Utilizing specialized thermal technology, the AquaLastic® formula was applied to trigger an instant reaction. This process fuses the material into a single, seamless armor that locks into the concrete pores, creating a monolithic shield that is significantly more durable than cold-applied coatings.
Rapid Commissioning
Unlike traditional epoxy or concrete repairs that require days to dry, AquaLastic® cures almost instantly. Water deliveries for Reclamation District 1004 resumed immediately following the final inspection, allowing the asset to be returned to service in less than 24 hours.
District Manager RD1004
Terry Bressler
“We started looking into Aqualastic two years ago for our large concrete ditch that is over 20 years old. The concrete ditch has a lot of cracks. We’ve tried everything to make repairs with no luck. The Board decided to reach out to Aqualistic to see how their product worked. We also wanted to inspect ditches they’ve repaired.
In 2019 we decided to try Aqualastic on a third of the ditch. So far, we haven’t had any new cracks or old cracks re opening. During the spring of 2020, we plan to have Aqualistic come back to finish the remaining part of the ditch. We are excited to continue working with this great company and product.”