DWP is continually investing in water system improvements that deliver safe, reliable water to the community. From pipeline upgrades and reservoir tank maintenance to new technology and long-term planning, every project completed strengthens the foundation of the local water supply. This section highlights the work happening beneath local streets and across DWP’s service area—how DWP maintains today’s infrastructure while building the reliability and resiliency the mountain community needs for tomorrow.
DWP Maintained Systems
Water System Overview
DWP operates and maintains four separately permitted waters systems (Big Bear, Lake William, Fawnskin, Big Bear Shores RV Resort) as one extensive water system serving approximately 13.25 square miles of the Bear Valley Basin. This system includes:
•181 miles of pipeline
•51 wells consisting of 29 groundwater wells and 22 slant, gravity-fed wells
•15 reservoirs
•13 booster stations.
The system supports approximately 15,900 customers and an annual average population of 25,000 residents, with demand increasing significantly during peak tourism periods and holiday weekends when the population can exceed 100,000 people, including visitors and non-resident homeowners.
Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)
In 1983, California implemented the Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMPA). Under this statute, Urban Water Management Plans are updated every five years and submitted to state and local agencies. Subsequent amendments to the UWMPA have expanded both the data requirements and planning elements included in the UWMP. The plan documents community characteristics, local water system needs and characteristics, customer water use patterns, conservation targets, water sources, drought risk, water shortage contingency planning, and water demand management strategies.
Current Capital Improvement Projects
Garstin Water Operations Facility
Project Budget: $17,799,428
Funding: USDA Loan $15,400,000, Capacity Charges $1,367,674, Rate Payer Charges $1,031,754
Expected Completion: December 2027
DWP’s current water operations facility, located at 41972 Garstin Dr. in the City of Big Bear Lake, was constructed in the early 1970s and was originally designed as a boat storage facility. After increased facility damage from winter weather conditions and the identification of significant structural and seismic deficiencies, new facilities are under construction.
When completed, the new facilities will consist of an approximately 13,500 square foot, concrete block, single story operations building with solar panels on the roof. This project also includes a 10,000 square foot, metal, single story warehouse / warm storage building addition to the existing warehouse facilities, a fifteen-vehicle covered parking structure with protected chlorine storage area on one side, diesel backup generator on the other side, and solar panels on the roof.
Funding for this project has been secured through the US Department of Agriculture with a low interest 3.25% forty-year loan for $15,400,000. Future debt service payments are expected to be approximately $693,000 which will be covered by DWP’s currently approved rates. Initial site work has begun and site excavation is expected in mid-March 2026, depending on weather.
Wolf Pipeline, Reservoir & Booster Project
Project Budget: $6,681,000
Funding: USBR Grant $1,600,000, Capacity Charges $3,081,434, Rate Payer Charges $1,999,566
Expected Completion: August of 2026
Wolf Reservoir and Booster facilities were Installed in 1963, at a less-than-optimal elevation and without sufficient capacity for current needs. As part of this project, 2,300 linear feet of 12-inch and 1,300 linear-feet of 8-inch mainline was replaced in Fiscal Year 2024 at a cost of $1,728,000. A new reservoir has been constructed on the re-graded site adding 500,000 gallons of new storage capacity. The current onsite pumping station is partially below ground which is not optimal for housing the onsite electrical components. The new pumping station will be housed in an above ground enclosed block structure. DWP received $1.6M in grant funding for these this project.
Division Well No. 9 Project
Project Budget: $2,373,900
Funding: USBR Grant $500,000, Capacity Fees $1,087,000, Rater Payer Fees $786,900
Expected Completion: October 2026
This project represents a new well for the Big Bear system. The well drilling phase has been completed and the well produces in excess of 700 gallons per minute making it DWP’s highest producing well. The next phase of the project is equipping the well. Well equipment including a pump, telemetry, water treatment equipment and a block enclosure building will be constructed. DWP has been awarded a United States Bureau of Reclamation federal match grant in the amount of $500,000 to equip this well.
Infrastructure at Work
How DWP’s Advanced Meters Work
DWP has implemented Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) across its managed systems. AMI technology uses secure radio communications to transmit meter readings directly to DWP offices, eliminating the need for manual meter reads. This allows DWP to access near real-time usage data remotely, improving system monitoring and enabling faster response to potential issues, among other benefits…
⚠️ Remote On/Off Functionality
Because AMI meters do not have a physical on/off valve, customers are unable to turn their water service on or off at the meter; all service changes are performed remotely by DWP.
⚠️ Secured Meter Boxes
To protect this critical infrastructure, the lids on water meter boxes have been secured. If a customer needs access to the inside of their meter box, they may contact DWP Customer Service, and staff will assist with access as needed.
Asset Maintenance & Replacement Cycles
DWP maintains 10 year replacement plans for infrastructure and equipment. Additionally DWP does ongoing evaluations of system infrastructure and equipment to ensure proper maintenance.
10-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
DWP is currently in year five of the CIP. The CIP is a dynamic plan that changes as needs arise but provides a road map for system improvements. Current CIP projects are outlined below:
| Project Name | Estimated Project Costs |
|---|---|
| Division Well No. 9 | $2,373,900 |
| Wolf Pipeline, Reservoir, Booster | $6,681,000 |
| Knickerbocker Hydropneumatic Tank | $710,000 |
| Garstin Water Operations Facility | $17,799,428 |
| Sand Canyon Well Structure | $1,000,000 |
| SCADA System Telemetry Solar | $580,000 |
| 2028 Mainline Replacement | $2,000,000 |
| 2029 Mainline Replacement | $2,000,000 |
| 2030 Mainline Replacement | $2,000,000 |
| Total | $35,144,328 |
Smart Meter Replacement Plan
DWP is nearing the end of useful life for initial advanced meter infrastructure capable meters (radio read). These meters were installed starting in 2014. The meters used mechanical measurement technology but provided radio transmission capabilities. Meter technology has advanced and electromagnetic flow meters (magflow) with radio transmission capabilities are now available. Electromagnitic flow meters can sense additional data such as water pressure and temperature and can have the added benefit of remote operations. These meters allow DWP to respond more promptly when a customer makes a service request or a leak occurs; however, these more capable (Smart) meters cost significantly more. in June of 2024 DWP implemented a Strategic Meter Replacement Plan to cost effectively replace existing meters with a mix of new magflow and magflow smart meters.
Strategic Meter Replacement Plan
Renewable Energy Use
DWP consistently evaluates the benefits of cost effective renewable energy use. Below are current renewable energy use initiatives DWP has or is undertaking.
Garstin Solar Facility
DWP currently utilizes and maintains a 170-panel array on the Garstin Water Operations Facility administrative building roof. This array provides up to 80% of the Water Operations Facility power. As part of the Garstin Water Operations Facility Project, the current array will be replaced with a more efficient 400 panel array on the administrative building and vehicle parking structure. The new array will supply all facility needs and power two wells located near the operations facility.
Division Well Field Facility
DWP currently utilizes and maintains a 682-panel rack mounted solar array that powers two production wells in the Division Well Field located off of Division Rd.
Wolf Solar Facility
The Wolf Pipeline, Reservoir, Booster project includes the installation of a 16-panel solar array that will power the booster pumps moving water to and from the reservoir.