Appraisal of ground-water conditions in Merced, California, and vicinity

Merced is in the northeastern part of the San Joaquin Valley, California. The fresh-ground-water basin is about 1,200 feet thick. Five aquifers are defined in the Merced area: (1) The Mehrten Formation (Miocene and Pliocene), (2) a confined aquifer , (3) an intermediate aquifer, (4) a shallow aquifer, and (5) a probable unconfined aquifer. Ground water moves generally westward or southwestward. Recharge to the aquifers is from ground-water flow, leakage, and irrigation water. Discharge is by seepage, evaporation, transpiration, and pumping. Fluctuations in water level vary from place to place. The chemical quality of ground water is good and is generally a bicarbonate-type water.