City of Merced, CA
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The Water Division is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the City’s drinking water production and distribution system. The Water Division maintains the water system at all times by having well trained, well equipped Water personnel that are ready to respond at a moments notice to water system emergencies 24 hours a day, everyday.
The distribution system is well over 500 miles long, and includes over 25,000 service connections, nearly 3,000 fire hydrants, approximately 25,000 water meters, 7,000 main line valves, and over 2,500 backflow devices.
To ensure water quality and adequate supply, a complete SCADA system is used to monitor system parameters, such as pressure and motor run times. SCADA is in direct contact with Water Operators and lead staff 24 hours a day, sending out data in real-time.
Water Conservation is promoted and carried out through the Water Conservation Coordinator (WCC). The WCC is the public outreach arm of the division, educating water customers at special events, in the classroom, in print, and on air to educate the community on how and why we conserve water. The WCC also serves to help the community follow the ordinance as it relates to water use and waste.
Mission:
Provide the City of Merced with a continuous supply of clean and safe drinking water, while promoting the conservation of water and energy.
Goals:
- Monitor the drinking water system through a comprehensive sampling, testing, and reporting program to meet Federal, State, and Local regulatory requirements for contaminant levels and disinfection byproduct requirements.
- Improve the City’s cross-connection control program. Utilize a new position called Cross Connection Control Specialist to act as program administrator.
- Explore the feasibility of implementing new procedures and technologies to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the division, while providing the highest level of customer service and water system security.
- Promote and enforce State mandated water conservation measures through projects, public education, notifications, and water metering advantages.
- Collaborate with members of the Merced Area Groundwater Pool Interests (MAGPI) and Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) to prepare and facilitate compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).