Turbidity Curtains
Control sediment, protect water quality, and stay compliant with DOT and Clean Water Act requirements with Texas Boom Company’s turbidity curtains.
Turbidity curtains are floating barriers that confine suspended silt and sediment during marine construction, dredging, and shoreline work. They help maintain water clarity for equipment operation and environmental protection, and support project compliance when designed and deployed correctly.
Texas Boom Company manufactures Type I, Type II, and Type III turbidity curtains in permeable and impermeable options, custom-built to your site conditions. Get expert guidance, stock availability, and rapid turnaround today for your application.
Which Curtain Do I Need?
- Calm or protected waters such as lakes, ponds, and sheltered marinas: Type I
- Moderate current, wind, or boat traffic: Type II
- Strong current, tides, or wave exposure: Type III
- Need to relieve pressure across the skirt in faster water: Permeable skirt
- Need to fully block flow in calm water: Impermeable skirt
Type I Turbidity Curtains
Type 1 turbidity curtains are suitable for use in protected waters where the effects of the wind, waves, and currents are minimal. Texas Boom manufactures Type 1 DOT compliant turbidity curtains.
Type II Turbidity Curtains
Type 2 turbidity curtains are best used to contain silt and turbidity in moving water applications. These Type II turbidity curtains are best used in dredging and marine construction areas that experience mild current, wind, and wave activity. Texas Boom manufactures Type 2 DOT compliant turbidity curtains.
Type III Turbidity Curtains
Type 3 turbidity curtains are best used to contain silt and sediment in water applications with swifter moving water and greater wind exposure. These Type 3 turbidity curtains are best used in dredging and marine construction areas that experience strong currents and tides, high winds, and greater wave activity. Texas Boom manufactures Type 3 DOT compliant turbidity curtains.
How Turbidity Curtains Work
Turbidity Curtains are constructed using floatation at the top to suspend the turbidity curtain in the water. Skirts are attached below the floatation and serve as a barrier to control the silt and sediment. Tension cables are used on heavier-duty turbidity curtains to provide strength. Ballast chains provide strength as well as weight to keep the skirts oriented as close to vertical as conditions allow. The are several different configurations available based on how curtains will be connected end-to-end to provide longer spans, ranging from grommets only to universal aluminum connectors. Turbidity Curtains can be deployed in parallel to increase the effectiveness of controlling the silt or runoff.
How to Install A Turbidity Curtain
- Skirt depth: Set the bottom of the skirt approximately 1 ft above the bottom to prevent build-up on the turbidity curtain, prevent the generation of additional silt, reduce wear, and allow fish passage.
- Tidal water: When tides impact the depth of the water, the height of the curtain should be set based on the average depth at low tide. Turbidity curtains can also be fabricated with tapered bottoms to accommodate changing depths.
- Anchoring: Tie to shoreline pilings/stakes where available; otherwise, use anchor systems planned around wind, waves, currents, tides, and boat lanes.
- Furling/reefing lines (optional): Furling lines are ropes running vertically spanning the height of the turbidity curtain on both sides at set intervals. They can be used to adjust the depth that the skirt extends below the surface or to slope the bottom of the turbidity curtain to mirror the contour of the bottom. Be
TBC advisors are available to consult with you to determine your exact needs. For more information, read our Turbidity Curtain Installation Instructions.
Turbidity Curtain Applications
- Dredging and sediment control
- Bridge, dam, and bulkhead construction and repair
- Marinas, harbors, ports, and terminals
- Pile driving and pipeline crossings
- Erosion and runoff control
- Coastal and shoreline restoration
- Intake and discharge projects
- Wastewater/aeration/mixing ponds (use baffle curtains to manage flow)
Permeable vs Impermeable Turbidity Curtain Skirts
Permeable skirts: Permeable skirts use a geotextile fabric that allows water to pass through while filtering any suspended particles like silt or other run off. These are typically deployed when there is a current or notable water flow in the area to reduce the pressure on the curtain.
Impermeable skirts: Turbidity curtains with impermeable skirts are fabricated using PVC fabric that completely blocks the flow of water as it meets the skirt.These are more commonly deployed in applications with slower-moving or still waters and calmer weather conditions.
Why Choose Texas Boom Company
- Proven construction: RF-welded seams, marine‑grade hardware, and durable PVC or geotextile skirts designed for field abuse.
- Built to your site: Multiple fabric weights, skirt depths, permeable or impermeable options, tapered skirts, and custom lengths.
- DOT-aware: Manufactured to align with common state DOT Type I/II/III classifications; project-specific requirements available.
- Fast and reliable: Stock on hand for quick response, plus custom fabrication at speed.
- Expert support: Advisors help you size and configure the curtain, anchoring, and connections for your conditions.
Turbidity Curtain FAQs
Q: What types of turbidity curtains does Texas Boom Company make?
A: TBC manufactures Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 turbidity curtains. These turbidity curtains all come in various lengths and depths. Common fabric colors include international orange or yellow for the floats, and orange, yellow or black for the skirts. Skirts can be fabricated using permeable or impermeable fabrics. We can align with state DOT specifications
Q: How do I choose a silt curtain size?
A: Location, currents, depth, bottom contour, tides, and wind all must be taken into consideration when selecting a silt curtain. Typically, you want the bottom of the skirt to be suspended one foot above the bottom. The skirts can be tapered to follow the appropriate depth. Furling lines (optional add on) can also be utilized to adjust the skirt height as needed. Our advisors will help you select type, skirt depth, and options like tapered skirts or furling lines.
Q: Does Texas Boom Company install silt curtains?
A: We supply curtains and accessories but do not perform installations. We can advise on deployment best practices.
Q: What makes Texas Boom Company’s turbidity curtains different?
A: First, we utilize RF welds on all of our products. This technology consistently provides the strongest welds that adhere to the fabrics used. Next, we use top grade materials to fabricate our products to prevent product failure. We also offer the ability to quickly and economically fabricate your exact specifications because we stock products for quick response.
Q: How are turbidity curtains held in place when deployed?
A: Typically, turbidity curtains are either tied off to piling or stakes when deployed near shore. If there are not stationary sites to tie off to, then anchor kits are used to hold the turbidity curtains in position. Read our installation and anchoring guide to learn more.
Q: Are storage containers available for turbidity curtains?
A: Yes. We offer containers and guidance for clean, UV‑limited storage to extend service life.
Q: Can silt curtains be cleaned and reused?
A: Yes. Because turbidity curtains are typically only exposed to silt and sediment, they can be hosed off prior to storage and reused. Debris and mishandling can cause damage to silt curtains, so it is advised to frequently inspect them during and after use.
Q: Can turbidity curtains be repaired?
A: Small rips, tears, or punctures can be repaired using a Texas Boom Repair Kit. These type of repairs are limited to small ruptures.
Q: Can turbidity curtain sections be connected together?
A: Yes, the turbidity curtain sections have different connection mechanisms, depending on the type purchased. For Type 1, the tension cables and ballast chains are connected end to end with shackles, and the grommets along the end seams are connected using rope, strong zip ties, or stainless steel nuts and bolts. For Type 2 and Type 3, turbidity curtains feature connector plates at the top and bottom, and the grommets are connected as described above.
Q: Do you only offer turbidity curtains in 50 and 100 foot sections?
A: Yes. Buying shorter sections of turbidity curtains increases the cost due to more frequent end connectors. Purchasing longer sections of turbidity curtains result in heavier weights making installation, retrieval, cleaning, and storage more difficult. However, custom lengths are available upon request.
Q: Are different fabrics and colors available?
A: We typically stock TBC turbidity curtains and fabric in international orange, but we also offer yellow when requested. Other colors may be used, depending on fabric availability from our suppliers.
21401 Park Row Drive Suite #340
Katy, TX 77449
Local: (281) 441-2002
Toll Free: (844) 444-8144