Merced County Well Statistics 2026: 40 Facts & Data
22,000
Registered Wells
534
2025 Well Permits
375 ft
Avg Residential Depth
$38,000
Average Total Cost
Merced County Well Overview
22,000Total registered water wells in Merced County
Key Facts
- 22,000+ registered wells
- 78,000+ residents rely on private wells
- Merced Subbasin: Critically overdrafted
- 534 new permits in 2026 (+7.8% YoY)
Wells by Area
| Area | Est. Wells | Avg Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Merced City | 5,500 | 345 ft |
| Los Banos | 3,740 | 425 ft |
| Atwater | 2,860 | 325 ft |
| Livingston | 2,420 | 365 ft |
| Winton/Delhi | 2,200 | 345 ft |
| Rural/Other | 5,280 | 395 ft |
Groundwater Status
Merced Subbasin: Critically overdrafted under SGMA. GSAs implementing sustainability plans with 2040 deadline.
📋 In This Guide
- Annual overdraft: ~120,000 acre-feet
- Water level decline: 2-5 feet/year
Drilling Costs (2026)
| Area | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced City | $26,000 | $36,000 | $55,000 |
| Los Banos/West | $32,000 | $46,000 | $68,000 |
| Eastern Merced | $24,000 | $34,000 | $52,000 |
FAQs
How many wells?
22,000 registered wells.
Average depth?
300-450 feet residential.
Cost?
$30,000-$48,000 complete system.
Need Well Service?
Call: (760) 440-8520
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