Big Bear Lake Water Department

The City of Big Bear Lake, Department of Water and Power (DWP) provides water service to about 15,520 customers in the Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains. Water is supplied to customers by pumping groundwater from local aquifers. The Bear Valley lies about 6,750 feet above sea level at the eastern end of the San Bernardino Mountains. The watershed surrounding the Valley encompasses roughly 38.5 square miles. The climate is Mediterranean with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average annual precipitation ranges from nearly 40 inches at the west end of the valley to 10-15 inches at the east end of the valley.

In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc. When water system pressure drops or declines, contamination may be drawn into the system. Cross-connections can occur at many points throughout a distribution system and a community's plumbing infrastructure. Cross-connections can be identified by looking for physical interconnections between a customer's plumbing and the water system. The type of backflow that is most likely to occur in your system (either from backpressure or backsiphonage) and the related health effects will determine which backflow prevention technology is best for your water system.

The Conservation Department's main priorities are to promote water-use efficiency and prevent water waste. We work to achieve these goals through education, outreach, regulation, and when necessary, enforcement. We are happy to make presentations at schools, clubs, or businesses. We reach out to our customers through public events as well as indoor plumbing and outdoor irrigation surveys. We provide rebates, free resources, guides, and tools whenever possible. The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), a non-profit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water.

The Department of Water and Power (DWP) is here to help potential businesses and developers succeed in meeting our residents' and visitors' needs. When starting your project we encourage you to communicate with us early and often to address any questions you may have. Fees vary dependent upon a number of factors, the number of meters, meter size, the number of plumbing fixtures, and installation. For new connections you must visit the DWP office during normal business hours to meet with our Customer Service Staff and complete the appropriate paperwork.