California Stream Gage Improvement Program

The Merced Irrigation District has been designated as the implementing agency for the California Stream Gage Improvement Program to enhance stream gage infrastructure in eastern Merced County, California. The initiative focuses on repairing and upgrading existing stream measurement stations at four targeted locations to improve the accuracy, reliability, and availability of hydrologic data across natural waterways. These upgrades are part of a broader state effort led by the California Department of Water Resources to modernize and expand California’s stream gage network, ensuring sustained water resource monitoring and management. Funding through the program supports critical activities such as reactivating historical gages, installing new equipment, and ensuring long-term operational capacity of the stations. Although the solicitation is listed as a forecast and not yet awarded, the project is slated for implementation under the authority of the Merced Irrigation District, with Kristine Morris, Water Resource Coordinator, serving as the primary point of contact for all inquiries. The work will occur entirely within the state of California and aligns with statewide goals to strengthen water data infrastructure for improved flood forecasting, drought response, and environmental stewardship.