Draft California 2026 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name: South Fork Merced River
Water Body ID: CAR5374004020190822029069
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
160187
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160187, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 207604
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Alkalinity as CaCO3 levels were assessed for the protection of freshwater aquatic life by comparison to the Evaluation Guideline value of 20,000 ug/L (4 day average)(National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2009).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160187, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330627
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160187, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330642
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRSFCC (Merced River, SF ~1.25mi above Chilnualna Cr.).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2022-08-16 and 2022-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160187, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 329639
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
 
DECISION ID
167576
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 167576, Ammonia
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330699
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
 
DECISION ID
171842
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

Two lines of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. 2 of 3 benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. However, there are no LOEs associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration indicating non-attainment of an aquatic life beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 2 of 3 benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. The available information is insufficient to determine whether the waterbody/pollutant combination should be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171842, Benthic Community Effects
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 352661
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 537MRS320 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard. CSCI scores were from 0.968085355 to 0.968085355 .
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.)
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 2021-06-22 to 2021-06-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171842, Benthic Community Effects
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 232299
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 537MRS320 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.730970284 to 0.731345523.
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report for Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Region 5 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rehn, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.  
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from station 537MRS320.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 5/28/2015 to 9/19/2018.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
160180
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Data from previous cycles has been reassessed according to a new assessment method. LOEs have been replaced to reflect this change.

Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160180, Chloride
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 329797
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Chloride. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for chloride of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160180, Chloride
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 346203
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Chloride. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for chloride of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160180, Chloride
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330917
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Chloride. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for chloride of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
 
DECISION ID
160181
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160181, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 192184
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160181, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 331914
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Primary California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
 
DECISION ID
167015
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 167015, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 192072
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Nitrate as N incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 167015, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 329942
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Primary California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Nitrate as N incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
 
DECISION ID
127202
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 127202, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 192435
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Nitrite as N incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 1000 ug/L .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
160182
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160182, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332059
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160182, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 329993
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.55.119.68 (South Fork Merced (Merced Wild and Scenic River)-37.55.119.68).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-11-20 and 2021-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160182, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332066
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRSFCC (Merced River, SF ~1.25mi above Chilnualna Cr.).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2022-08-16 and 2022-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160182, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 208246
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
165509
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165509, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330188
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.55.119.68 (South Fork Merced (Merced Wild and Scenic River)-37.55.119.68).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-11-20 and 2021-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165509, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332703
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRSFCC (Merced River, SF ~1.25mi above Chilnualna Cr.).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2022-08-16 and 2022-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165509, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 346543
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165509, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332823
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165509, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330244
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-11267300 (SF MERCED R A WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-31 and 2015-08-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165509, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330201
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
 
DECISION ID
160184
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available

LOE 193768 has been replaced by LOE 346715 due to a reassessment of data.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160184, Sulfates
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 346715
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Sulfate. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for sulfate of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160184, Sulfates
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332872
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Sulfate. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for sulfate of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160184, Sulfates
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330331
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Sulfate. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for sulfate of 250-500 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
 
DECISION ID
160185
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160185, Temperature, water
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330467
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160185, Temperature, water
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330396
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-11267300 (SF MERCED R A WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-08-31 and 2015-08-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160185, Temperature, water
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332892
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160185, Temperature, water
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332985
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRSFCC (Merced River, SF ~1.25mi above Chilnualna Cr.).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2022-08-16 and 2022-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160185, Temperature, water
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 213138
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160185, Temperature, water
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330422
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.55.119.68 (South Fork Merced (Merced Wild and Scenic River)-37.55.119.68).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-11-20 and 2021-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638
 
 
DECISION ID
160186
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160186, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330572
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Total Dissolved Solids. Additionally, 0 of the 1 samples fall within the range, and 1 of 1 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for total dissolved solids of 500-1000 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
 
 
DECISION ID
160183
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330139
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: ADVENTURESCIENTISTS-37.55.119.68 (South Fork Merced (Merced Wild and Scenic River)-37.55.119.68).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-11-20 and 2021-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Adventure Scientists 2020 QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Adventure Scientists - Adventure Scientists QAPP - Adventure Scientists (Volunteer)* - 402638
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332455
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRSFCC (Merced River, SF ~1.25mi above Chilnualna Cr.).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2022-08-16 and 2022-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 332448
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, WQ from the USFS Management Indicator Species for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 537MRS320 (Merced River, SF ~2.6mi above main stem).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-22 and 2021-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams
QAPP Information Reference(s): SWRCB - Region5 - USFS Indicator Species - USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams - 402656
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 209873
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 210873
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 209891
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USFS Management Indicator Species - Streams data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (537MRS320)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-09-19 and 2018-09-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 160183, pH
Region 5     
South Fork Merced River
 
LOE ID: 330100
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS California Water Science Center data for South Fork Merced River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: USGS-373238119374101 (SF MERCED BL SWINGING BRIDGE NR WAWONA CA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-07-08 and 2014-07-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for USGS Data Collected during the 2026 Integrated Report Cycle