Greenspot Recharge Project
The Greenspot Recharge Project, also known as “Greenspot,” will send highly purified recycled water from the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA) treatment plant to new recharge basins in the Erwin Lake area. There, it will undergo additional, natural filtration through layers of earth as it travels northwest to existing municipal wells, helping to replenish Big Bear's groundwater basin. It will later be withdrawn and used throughout the Big Bear Valley.
How it Works
"What makes this project so valuable is that it strengthens our local water supplies while maintaining the high water quality our community expects. It's a practical, locally managed solution that can provide enough water to support thousands of homes each year and enhance our region's water resilience."Bridgette Burton, BBARWA Assistant General Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Bear Valley depends entirely on groundwater. In recent years, drought, warmer temperatures, and more variable rainfall have reduced how much water naturally refills the groundwater basin. This project would keep more water local by purifying it and putting it back into the ground for future use, adding enough water to serve 2,700 homes each year.
Local professionals have evaluated more than seven water supply and recharge options. Greenspot recharge provides the most cost-effective, reliable benefits of the evaluated alternatives.
Greenspot is near existing Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power and Big Bear City Community Services District wells. Utilizing this location for groundwater recharge reduces project costs by using existing groundwater wells to serve customers.
Yes. Water will be treated using advanced purification technology, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light. Afterwards, water will undergo an additional, natural filtration as it soaks through layers of soil and into the groundwater basin. Water will meet or exceed strict state and federal water quality standards before it is released into the ground.
Greenspot and associated treatment upgrades will be funded by a combination of grants, loans, rates, and alternative funding sources. Final design and construction are dependent on BBARWA Board approval. The Project Team is refining design components and estimated costs. The community and the BBARWA Board will be informed as more details become available.