Groundwater-quality data in the Modesto-Turlock-Merced Domestic-Supply Aquifer Study Unit, 2020-2021: Results from the California GAMA Priority Basin Project

The U.S. Geological Survey collected groundwater samples from 71 wells used for domestic and small system drinking water supplies in Stanislaus and Merced counties of California during 2020-2021. The wells were sampled for the Modesto-Turlock-Merced Domestic-Supply Aquifer Study Unit of the State Water Resources Control Board Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program Priority Basin Project’s assessment of the quality of groundwater resources used for domestic and small system drinking water supplies. The study unit was defined by the extent of the Modesto, Turlock, and Merced subbasins of the San Joaquin Valley groundwater basin. The study unit was divided into 62 grid cells and one or more domestic or small system well was sampled in 60 of the cells. Groundwater samples from a total of 71 sampled wells were analyzed for field water-quality parameters, volatile organic compounds, pesticides and pesticide degradants, stable isotopes of water, nutrients, major ions and trace elements, hexavalent chromium, perchlorate, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microbial indicators. Groundwater levels were measured in 56 out 71 wells.