Power and Natural Gas
The recent deregulation of the electric power industry in California insures that customers have choices, generally resulting in lower rates. Merced has both a major regional provider as well as a locally-owned public utility. Pacific Gas and Electric provides a wide variety of pricing options, competitive industrial rates, financial incentives, economic and financial analysis, and assistance with facility siting. Merced Irrigation District has recently undertaken an initiative to provide low-cost electric power to Merced, particularly industrial and commercial users. PG & E provides natural gas throughout Merced.

Water and Sewer
All domestic and industrial water is supplied by the City of Merced. The water source is groundwater and the current maximum pumping capacity is 57.6 million gallons per day (MGD). Maximum demand is 32 MGD, so water production capacity is available. The long-term water supply outlook for Merced is excellent with adequate sources available for growth.

The capacity of Merced’s wastewater (sewage) treatment plant is 10 MGD. The capacity of the system will be doubled to 20 MGD as a part of the master planning process. Costs for sewer connections vary, based on the physical installation of pipe and strength of flow.

Telecommunications
Pacific Bell serves Merced with a highly sophisticated telecommunications network. State-of-the-art 5ESS switching equipment provides the most modern digital features, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) capability for simultaneous voice and data transmission. In addition, Pacific Bell has placed fiber optic facilities in Merced’s downtown business district and other strategic locations to serve the City’s current and future telecommunications needs.

Additionally, US Sprint supplies 100% digital fiber to Merced. Cellular telephone service is provided by Cellular One, GTE, and Pacific Bell Wireless.

Health Care Facilities
Health care in Merced means choices. More than 120 physicians offer more than 50 specialties to greater Merced residents. Mercy Merced Medical Center provides the greater Merced area with fully integrated healthcare services. Services include two acute care hospitals, Dominican Campus with 115 beds, and Community Campus with 174 beds, cancer center (affiliated with the University of California), family care clinic, general medicine clinic, health educator center, home care services, kids care, rehabilitation services, outpatient surgical and diagnostic center and Mercey Urgent Care. Private urgent care centers offer alternatives to the hospital emergency room.

Other Services
Street development and improvements, parks and recreation facilities, fire protection (Class 2 rating), and police protection are all provided by the City of Merced.