Plant 4

An image of a pumping plant from 2005, set in a green landscape with water visible in the background. — Pumping Plant 4 - 2005

Pumping Plant 4 is the northernmost plant in the District, located in Sutter County at the end of the North Drain and on the Natomas Cross Canal. This pumping plant utilizes 3 lift pumps to discharge over 100,000 gallons of water per minute (GPM) Plant 4 was originally constructed in 1964 to accommodate new development in Sutter County, however, this area remains mostly agricultural land.

Aerial view of floodwaters along the Feather River in February 1986, showing extensive flooding in the surrounding landscape. — Flood Waters Along the Feather River - February 1986

In 1986, Plant 4 was reconstructed after the historical floods of 1986, which tested the limits of RD1000’s flood infrastructure, to accommodate greater run-off from agricultural drainage and stormwater.

The image shows construction work at Pumping Plant 4, part of the NLIP, during Fall 2021, featuring heavy machinery and excavation. — Pumping Plant 4 Reconstruction - NLIP - Reach D - Fall 2021

As part of the Natomas Levee Improvement Project (NLIP), Pumping Plant 4 is currently finalized and fully operational. Awaiting on PG & E to turn on. This project is the greater plan to increase flood protection throughout the Natomas Basin.