Our community has avoided water shortages—not by luck, but by working together.
Thanks to a valley-wide irrigation policy shared by Big Bear Lake DWP and Big Bear City CSD, we’ve maintained a stable local supply even during historic drought years. By following simple outdoor watering rules and using water wisely, our community helps keep our mountain basin in balance—without relying on emergency measures.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Watering at Night: Allowed April 1 – October 31, between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM
✅ Fixing Leaks: Must be repaired immediately upon detection
✅ Shutoff Nozzles: Required on all hoses
❌ Watering Every day: it has to be every other day
❌ Runoff: Not allowed
❌ Hard Surface Washing: Driveways, sidewalks, etc., are off-limits
❌ Improper Hydrant Use: Hydrants are for fire protection only—unless you obtain a special-use permit
This shared policy is a cornerstone of our water resilience. But policies alone aren’t enough.
That’s where the community steps in—and where true conservation begins.
Big Bear's Annual Water Use Breakdown
Nearly half of our local water demand comes from outdoor use—mostly for landscape irrigation. Yet Big Bear’s climate is naturally dry, and our community is at high fire risk. Lawns may be familiar, but they’re not practical. They’re water-thirsty, non-native, and do little to help us stay fire-safe or water-resilient.
The good news? Outdoor changes are easy—and incredibly impactful.
In our mountain community, where every drop counts, the simplest changes right outside your door can yield the biggest water savings.
One of the most effective steps you can take is rethinking your landscaping. Swapping out high-water-use lawns for native or drought-tolerant plants not only reduces demand but supports the local ecosystem. Watering less frequently, adjusting timers seasonally, and using mulch to retain moisture are quick, affordable actions that add up fast.
A few small changes can make a big difference:
- Replace turf with native plants
- Adjust irrigation timers based on the season
- Add mulch to keep soil cool and moist
- Remove unnecessary lawn areas
- Water deeply but less often
These simple strategies help protect our isolated water supply—without compromising the beauty of life in the mountains.
Want to Learn More?
Your local water supplier is here to help.
Whether you're looking for landscaping tips, information on rebates, or one-on-one advice on making your yard more water-wise, support is just a call or click away.
⬇️ Reach out to Big Bear Lake DWP or Big Bear City CSD to learn more.
Together, we can make every drop count—and keep Big Bear’s water supply safe, sustainable, and independent.
