Big Bear Lake News: $19 Million Garstin Water Operations Facility Advances in 2026

BIG BEAR LAKE NEWS | LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE · 2026

Big Bear Lake’s Department of Water and Power lists a $19.01 million Garstin Water Operations Facility among its active capital improvements, with early site work scheduled during 2026 and completion projected for December 2027. The project aims to replace inadequate facilities with stronger operations infrastructure for a mountain water system.

Why the operations site needs renewal

According to the public utility, the current facility at 41972 Garstin Drive was built in the early 1970s and originally designed for boat storage. Officials report winter-weather damage and structural and seismic deficiencies. These issues concern the place from which staff operate and maintain the public water system, not an announced emergency water-quality failure.

What the project includes

DWP describes a roughly 13,500-square-foot operations building, a 10,000-square-foot warehouse addition, covered parking, protected chlorine storage, backup generation and rooftop solar panels. The utility lists a $15.4 million USDA loan and $1.5 million USDA grant among funding sources, along with customer and capacity charges.

Distinguishing planning from completion

The agency indicated initial site work had begun and excavation was expected around March 2026 depending on mountain weather. Its projected finish of December 2027 is not proof that construction will end on that exact date. Residents should seek dated construction updates and contract records to track actual progress.

Why water operations matter locally

The utility manages groundwater-based systems across Bear Valley, where winter storms and large visitor peaks place unusual demands on infrastructure. Improved space, storage and backup power could help staff perform their work. The actual return on this investment should be measured against adopted budgets, future maintenance outcomes and reliable service.

Official sources

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