NEWS - Page One

September 1, 2007: Commercial Usage Rates

Effective September 1, 2007 and September 1, 2009, the commercial usage rates (rate charged for each unit of water, currently measured in ccfs) will be $3.22 per ccf and $4.37 per ccf, respectively. Prior to September 1, 2007, commercial customers paid for water under a multi-tiered structure ranging from $2.06 to $9.77 per ccf. Under the new rate structure, there will be one tier with one rate. The increase in commercial usage rates reflects the DWP’s current cost of service.

July 2007: Pipeline Replacement Project to begin July 9

BIG BEAR LAKE, CA – Beginning July 9 thru October 12, the Department of Water & Power (DWP) will undertake a major pipeline replacement project in the lower Moonridge area. The new pipeline, approximately 4,200 ft., will be installed on portions of Elm St., Peregrine Ave. and La Placida Ave. Majority of the construction will take place between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Traffic detours will be established to help residents and motorists maneuver around the construction area.

The pipeline replacement project is one of the DWP’s capital improvement projects, which will improve fire flow in lower Moonridge. The new 8” diameter pipeline will replace aging sections of 1” and 2” pipe. This project will cost approximately $652,000 and is part of ongoing water system improvements to meet current fire-flow standards and upgrade the DWP’s aging infrastructure.

The DWP maintains 50 wells, 13 booster stations, 17 reservoirs, 16 chlorination stations, 20 sample stations, approximately 170 miles of water main pipeline and a complex pressure-reducing network. DWP serves more than 15,000 customers, providing service to the City of Big Bear Lake, Moonridge, Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, Lake Williams and portions of Erwin Lake and Rimforest.

November 2006: Board of Commissioners adopts Master Plan

At the November 22, 2006 Board Meeting, the DWP Board of Commissioners adopted a new Master Plan. The plan was completed by CDM, a consulting and engineering firm and DWP staff. The plan assesses future water demand for the DWP service area, water supply and the capital improvement program.

June 2008: The 2008 Xeriscape Tour Showcases Native Landscapes

Want to see how other members of the community have committed to water-wise landscaping? Join the fun and exchange low water-use gardening ideas at the sixth annual Xeriscape Tour. Registration is from 9:00 am to noon, Saturday July 12rd, 2008 at Eminger's Nursery.

The Xeriscape Garden Tour showcases 6-8 landscapes that exhibit attractive, low water-use gardening techniques. Examples from previous tours include: artificial turf, decks, patios, native plant gardens, use of various mulches, non-native low water-use flowering perennials, rock work and retaining walls.

Click here for photos from the 2006 tour.

May 2006: DWP Increases Reimbursement Rate for Turf Removal and Toilet Rebate Program

Effective May 1, 2006, the DWP increased the rate for turf removal to $0.50 per square foot of turf removed from $0.40 last year. The increased rate will cover more of the removal and replacement costs of a turf removal project. The DWP also increased its toilet rebate amount to $100 from $75. Every DWP customer who replaces an old, high-flush toilet with a low-flow one will be credited $100 per toilet replaced. For both the turf removal and toilet rebate programs, an audit must be scheduled and completed prior to turf removal or toilet replacement.

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