For nearly a century, Reclamation District 800 has been the trusted source of flood protection for the Byron Tract, including the community of Discovery Bay. Our levee system, like our community, is one-of-a-kind.  We don’t quite conform, and that’s what makes us special.  Reclamation District 800 has been the trusted source of flood protection for the Byron Tract, including the community of Discovery Bay.

In 1909, the West-Wilhoit Company petitioned Contra Costa County to form a reclamation district. In its petition, the company included lands bounded by Italian Slough on the south, Old River on the east and Indian Slough on the north. Approval of this petition formed the bulk of Reclamation District 800 as we know it today.

You’ll find us in Contra Costa County, approximately 20 miles west of Stockton and 60 miles east of San Francisco. The land is bordered by the Italian Slough on the south, Old River on the east and Indian Slough on the north. Portions of Highway 4 are within our boundaries.

Our levees provide the backbone for the state’s largest inland marina and act as a gateway to the Sac/San Joaquin Delta – a recreational playground for boaters and sport fishers, among others.

Our quality of life – most especially our safety – depends upon the strength of our levees.

Reclamation District 800 is responsible for the operation and maintenance of nearly 19 miles of levees protecting 7,000 acres of agricultural, urban, commercial and industrial land in Byron Tract. Our levees protect more than 3,600 agricultural and residential properties – and many thousands of lives – from flooding. That protection doesn’t happen by chance. It requires ongoing maintenance, improvements and repairs. That’s our job.

We’re vigilant about improving and maintaining our levees. We’re also fiercely protective of our great quality of life. After all, we want to keep river waters where we can enjoy them – in the river.

Reclamation District 800 is responsible for the operation and maintenance of nearly 19 miles of levees protecting 7,000 acres of agricultural, urban, commercial and industrial land in Byron Tract [service area map]. Activities include:

• Providing flood protection for 3,600 properties
• Inspecting levees for areas that need improvements or repairs
• Evaluating levees to ensure they meet state and federal guidelines for a minimum of 100-year flood protection
• Supervising design and construction of levee improvements or repairs
• Providing residents with information about flood insurance and emergency preparedness
• Managing drainage and water circulation within Discovery Bay’s lakes and lagoons
• Reviewing residential/commercial construction on and around levees and slopes

Property owners within the District’s service area pay a modest annual assessment for these services. They also elect a five-member Board of Trustees to manage the district’s approximately $1 million annual operating budget. The budget is funded through assessments, property taxes and reimbursements from the State.