The mission of DWP is to cost effectively deliver quality water to meet the needs of our current and future customers
The City of Big Bear Lake, Department of Water & Power (DWP) operates and maintains four separately permitted water systems Big Bear, Lake William, Fawnskin, and Big Bear Shores RV Resort as one integrated water system serving approximately 13.25 square miles of the Bear Valley Basin utilizing 181 miles of pipeline, 51 wells, including 29 groundwater wells and 22 slant, gravity-fed wells, 15 reservoirs and 13 booster pumping stations with a full time staff of 39 employees.
DWP provides water service to approximately 15,900 customers and supports an average annual population of 25,000 residents, which can increase to over 100,00 people during peak tourism periods and holiday weekends.
100% of DWP’s water comes from local groundwater sources. Because the Bear Valley Groundwater Basin is surrounded by national forest lands, local water sources are naturally clean and require limited treatment before delivery, while still meeting all state and federal drinking water standards. Our groundwater is naturally clean, crisp, and refreshing—a rare treasure in California.
🏆 We Deliver Award-Winning Quality Water 🏆
Big Bear Lake DWP was honored by the California Rural Water Association with the award for Best Tasting Water among local suppliers—a recognition that speaks to the remarkable quality of the water sourced and treated right here in our mountain basin. But the very qualities that make it exceptional also make it finite. Protecting this shared resource means using it wisely, so that every glass poured today preserves the same great taste for tomorrow.
— Current Notices —
Public Review: Draft Water Management Plans
The Department of Water & Power has prepared draft versions of its Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contigency Plan. These documents are now available for public review and comment, providing an opportunity for the community to stay informed and share input before final adoption.
2025 Consumer Confidence Reports — Available Now
The City of Big Bear Lake, Department of Water & Power is committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water to our community. Each year, we publish a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an Annual Water Quality Report, to provide customers with important information about local drinking water quality, testing, and regulatory compliance.
Safe Medication Disposal Matters
Proper disposal of unused or expired medications helps protect public safety and our environment. Don’t flush medications down the toilet or drain.
