DWP Pipeline Projects

Big Bear Lake, CA, December 4, 2012 – During this year’s construction season, the Big Bear Lake Department of Water & Power (DWP) completed Pipeline Rehabilitation Projects replacing about 5.5 miles of pipeline in Big Bear Valley. The pipelines replaced were undersized and aging. The new pipelines will result in a more reliable water system that provides enhanced fire protection. The DWP negotiated a paving package by cost sharing with the City of Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County Special Districts, San Bernardino County Public Works, and Southwest Gas. Seventy-seven percent of the streets where pipelines were replaced got a full pavement overlay. The total cost of the project was a little more than $5 million and was funded by USDA and EPA grants and low-interest USDA loans. Apple Valley Construction, Christensen Brothers, and TK Construction completed the projects. Pipeline replacement is an ongoing expense necessary to operate DWP’s water system, which totals about 178 miles of pipeline in Big Bear Valley. In order to maintain the system properly, about 2 miles of pipeline should be replaced each year.