City of Big Bear Lake

The City of Big Bear Lake, Department of Water and Power (DWP) provides water service to nearly 16,000 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. Annual precipitation is highly variable and it is common to have long dry spells (3-8 years) mixed with years of above-average precipitation. Subsequently, groundwater recharge varies, and it can be several years between significant recharge events. Mission: Our Mission is to cost effectively deliver quality water to meet the needs of our current and future customers.