Big Bear Lake DWP board recap: pipeline concerns, a $1.3M reimbursement, and a key project milestone

The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners met on February 24, 2026, working through a packed management report that touched on a major water recycling project's uncertain future, a significant federal reimbursement, solar equipment failures, and promising signs from this winter's heavy precipitation.

Replenish Big Bear pipeline integrity raises questions

The board's most consequential discussion centered on the Replenish Big Bear project, an effort to return treated water to the valley by piping it from Lucerne Valley. Commissioners were told there is concern about the integrity of the pipeline to Lucerne Valley that is central to the project, and that the effort is being evaluated for the most effective direction to take — though preliminary design work will be completed regardless[1].

The board heard that update from General Manager Reggie and Commissioner Joe Cylwik, who attended a recent Replenish Big Bear meeting. What remains unclear — and what the board did not address publicly — is how the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency and other project partners assess the pipeline risk or what they see as the path forward. Big Bear News has reached out to project stakeholders for comment and will update this story when responses are received.

Garstin Project on track, federal funding secured

On a more forward-looking note, District Engineer Daniel reported that the Garstin Project is on track to mobilize on March 16, 2026[1]. Commissioner Cylwik also confirmed that 2027 Community Project Funding through Congressman Obernolte's office will be designated for the Garstin Project, providing a future federal funding pipeline for the work[1].

Daniel added that the Wolf Reservoir is expected to come online within the coming weeks, and that a draft Urban Water Management Plan is on track to be ready by April 2026[1].

$1.3 million USDA reimbursement boosts finances

A notable financial development: DWP recently received a $1.3 million USDA reimbursement that had not yet been reflected in the second-quarter financial report presented to the board[1]. CFO Nathan clarified that the funds simply arrived after the report was generated.

Solar inverter failures cost DWP $10,000

Two solar inverters on the DWP building failed and required replacement, with total repair costs reaching $30,000. DWP's out-of-pocket expense came to approximately $10,000 in labor because equipment supplier Motive Energy covered the cost of the replacement inverters themselves[1]. The failed units were installed around 2014 and are no longer under warranty[1]. Looking ahead, General Manager Reggie noted that the new DWP building will use a different technology — optimizers that allow solar panels to operate independently — avoiding a similar single-point-of-failure scenario[1].

Good news from this winter's precipitation

Reggie offered an encouraging report on groundwater: the significant precipitation the valley has received this season is expected to produce favorable groundwater recharge and may yield promising slant well production results this spring[1]. That's welcome news for a community that closely watches its water supply heading into warmer months.

The board's next regular meeting date was not announced in the February 24 minutes. Residents who want to follow the Replenish Big Bear project or the Garstin Project's mobilization can contact the DWP board secretary at (909) 866-5050.