BBARWA board approves Greenspot recharge alternative for Replenish Big Bear in split vote

The Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency's Governing Board voted 3–2 on April 27, 2026, to advance the modified Greenspot Recharge Area alternative for the Replenish Big Bear project, a water recycling effort that could affect long-term water supply and ratepayer costs across the valley[1].

Before the vote, agency staff and consultants from Water Systems Consulting, Inc. walked the board through a detailed comparison of the Greenspot alternative against the project's current scope, examining capital and ongoing operations-and-maintenance costs, rate and debt impacts, regulatory hurdles, and eligibility for grant funding[1]. The presentation signals that the Greenspot option carries meaningful financial and regulatory differences from the original plan — though the specific cost figures and rate impacts could not be confirmed from the meeting minutes alone.

Director Rick Herrick made the motion to approve, which was seconded by Chair Kendi Segovia; Director Andrew Sauer joined them in the majority. Vice-Chair Larry Walsh and Director John Russo cast the two dissenting votes[1]. The minutes do not record the reasons either member opposed the modified alternative. Big Bear News has reached out to Walsh and Russo for comment and will update this story when they respond.

Also at the meeting, the board entered closed session to discuss real property negotiations for a parcel at 2190 State Lane with Woll BBE, LLC. No reportable action came out of that session[1].

The general managers of both Big Bear Municipal Water District and Big Bear City Community Services District — the agencies that partner with BBARWA on regional water planning — attended the April 27 meeting, though their views on the Greenspot decision could not be confirmed from the minutes. Ratepayer and partner-agency perspectives on the cost and rate implications will be important to watch as the project moves forward. Residents can contact BBARWA at its offices at 121 Palomino Drive, Big Bear City, for more information on next steps.