Big Bear Lake News: Wolf Reservoir Project Adds 500,000 Gallons of Storage Capacity

BIG BEAR LAKE NEWS | WATER SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE | 2026 — Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California.

The Wolf Reservoir and Booster Project is among the Department of Water and Power’s largest current infrastructure investments in Big Bear Lake. DWP lists a total project budget of $6,681,000 and reports that a redesigned site now includes a new reservoir providing 500,000 gallons of additional storage capacity.

Why an older reservoir required replacement

The original Wolf facilities were installed in 1963. DWP described the existing reservoir as being at an elevation that did not provide optimal pressure-zone balancing, and its design did not meet modern seismic standards. The pumping station was also partly below ground, making it unsuitable for some electrical equipment. These conditions explain the planning emphasis on reliability and resilience, not simply expanding the utility’s storage volume.

The new tank and booster station

According to the utility, the project involves regrading the site, replacing the old storage tank with a larger reservoir and moving pumping equipment into an above-ground enclosed block building. The new tank adds 500,000 gallons compared with the former system. A 16-panel solar array is also included to help power pumps that move water to and from the reservoir.

Related pipe construction

DWP reports that crews replaced approximately 2,300 linear feet of 12-inch mainline and 1,300 linear feet of 8-inch mainline in an earlier phase. Those pipeline upgrades link the reservoir and booster investment to the wider distribution network. Their earlier completion should not be confused with final acceptance of the entire Wolf project.

Funding and 2026 status

The project page lists $1.6 million from a Bureau of Reclamation grant, approximately $3.08 million in capacity charges and almost $2 million in ratepayer charges. It shows August 2026 as the expected completion date. An expected date is not a final certificate or proof of commissioning, so residents should request the latest acceptance records and operational testing results to confirm when the upgraded facilities entered regular service.

What residents can measure

Future utility reports should demonstrate whether the investment improves pressure balancing, backup capacity and system performance during winter and high visitor demand. Big Bear Lake News will follow the distinction between construction completion, official commissioning and actual service outcomes, and welcomes documented observations from residents.

Official sources

Help independent local news grow Your contribution helps us build and sustain community reporting.

Support Big Bear Lake News

Choose how to support Big Bear Lake News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal

Zelle323-677-7643Open Zelle through your bank. Verify the recipient before sending.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Big Bear Lake News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Big Bear Lake News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.