Big Bear Lake News: New Division Well No. 9 Moves Toward Equipment Phase in 2026

BIG BEAR LAKE NEWS | LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE · 2026

A new water well is a notable component of Big Bear Lake’s capital program in 2026. The Department of Water and Power says Division Well No. 9 has completed drilling and demonstrated a production rate above 700 gallons per minute, with equipping the well identified as the next phase.

What has been confirmed

DWP’s public project listing describes a $2.78 million project and states that drilling has been completed. It calls Well No. 9 the utility’s highest-producing well based on tests above 700 gallons per minute. That is a reported capacity, not a guarantee of how much water the well supplies customers every day.

Equipment still needed

Before a new well can function as a fully integrated public water source, the project calls for a pump, telemetry, water treatment equipment and a protective enclosure. DWP lists an expected October 2026 completion, which should be treated as a schedule forecast rather than evidence that all equipment is already operating.

Funding and oversight

The department lists a $500,000 Bureau of Reclamation grant together with capacity and ratepayer funding. Residents interested in infrastructure finance can ask for adopted contracts, actual expenditures and follow-up water production data. Funding commitments and final expenditure totals can differ as projects proceed.

What residents should know about local water

Bear Valley relies on local groundwater rather than imported lake water, according to the utility. A new well can increase system options, but long-term supply management also requires monitoring, conservation and maintenance. Big Bear Lake News will follow documented commissioning results and water-system reports.

Official sources

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