Big Bear, CA, July 30, 2014 – Recently, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an Emergency Water Conservation Regulation that all Californians are required to follow. However, for the past decade, the Big Bear Lake DWP has had water restrictions in place that are already in line with the State Water Board’s mandated restrictions.
Water supplies for the Big Bear Valley come solely from local groundwater aquifers that are recharged by precipitation. In 2002 in the midst of a serious drought, a water shortage emergency was declared by the DWP Board and mandatory restrictions on water use and landscaping were put in place. Due to the efforts of the DWP and Big Bear residents, from 2002 to 2014 demand was reduced by 27% with a 7% increase in service connections. In 2013, the DWP Board lifted the water shortage emergency, but decided to make the water use and landscaping regulations permanent.
These include the following: All water leaks must be repaired at once. There will be no hose washing of paved areas. Washing vehicles must be done with a bucket and a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Outdoor watering shall be done before 9 am or after 6 pm and on an alternate day schedule with no watering done on major holiday weekends. Turf installations shall be limited to 1000 square feet and plans must be submitted prior to installation.
To find out more about water regulations and additional DWP conservation programs, visit the DWP website.
