Welcome to the Big Bear Lake Department of Water & Power
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 Serve 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.
Customer Service
DWP Customer Service provides account support for residential and commercial customers, including billing, payments, service start and stop requests, and usage questions. This section offers tools, rebates, and information to help customers manage their water service efficiently.
Administration & Transparency
Administration & Transparency provides insight into how DWP is governed, managed, and held accountable to the community. This section includes information on policies, budgets, rates, public meetings, financial reporting, and compliance with state and local transparency requirements, ensuring customers have access to clear and accurate information about DWP’s operations.
Water Quality & Supply
Water Quality & Supply explains where Big Bear Lake’s water comes from, how it is protected, and why conservation is essential to sustaining this limited, mountain-based resource. This section includes drinking water quality reports, monitoring and treatment practices, and information on the Bear Valley Basin’s groundwater supply, along with guidance on efficient water use to help ensure long-term reliability for the community.
Projects & Infrastructure
Projects & Infrastructure highlights the planning, construction, and maintenance efforts required to operate a complex mountain water system. This section provides updates on capital improvement projects, system upgrades, maintenance activities, and long-range infrastructure planning designed to ensure safe, reliable water service now and into the future.