Our Water System

Sources

Our water supply in Bear Valley Springs is entirely derived from groundwater production. We rely on a combination of alluvial wells drilled in the Bear Valley groundwater basin and bedrock wells drilled in the granitic bedrock.

These wells are replenished only through seasonal rainfall that percolates into the aquifer. This is what makes attention to protecting our watershed so vital.

There are also six wells in Cummings Valley that tap into the Cummings Basin managed by the Tehachapi Cummings County Water District (TCCWD). That water is purchased from TCCWD and imported into BVS.

Delivery System

To ensure a reliable water supply to our community, we have established a network of wells, booster stations, and storage tanks. The water is pumped from the wells to various tanks throughout the valley using booster pumps.

Tanks 1B-2 and 1B-3, located at the bottom of Cumberland Hill, are the first to be filled by the Cummings Valley (CV) booster station. Once those tanks are satisfied, the water is diverted towards tanks on Sheeptrail and Willow pass, which are filled simultaneously.

We have a total of 43 tanks with capacities ranging from 10,000 gallons to 1 million gallons, collectively holding 4.57 million gallons of drinking water.

The water main system is flooded once the tanks are filled, and gravity takes over to distribute the water throughout the community. With 77 pumps across 36 booster stations, water levels in all the tanks are carefully maintained.

Water Pressure

Due to our mountainous terrain, water pressure within the system can vary from 20 PSI to 300 PSI. To maintain optimal pressure levels, we have 17 pressure regulating stations that help keep the water pressure within the range of 90-125 PSI.

Additionally, there are seven hydro-pneumatic booster tanks in areas where homes are at a higher elevation, ensuring that water is pushed uphill to those locations.

Past Problems and Future Solutions

In the past, our water supply faced challenges, particularly with the aging  water infrastructure. However, the implementation of the Cummings Valley well field supply brought a reliable supplementary water supply to our community. As the cost of operating the CV well field has increased due to importation fees, we are striving to maximize our local supplies once again. This will help ensure a sustainable and self-reliant water supply for the future.

Water Quality

Our dedicated water operators strive to provide high quality service of our water supply to those who rely on us by proactively, innovatively, and continuously improving the quality and efficiency of our operations and service. Regular sampling, testing, and compliance reporting are conducted to meet federal, state, and local regulations. We publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report that provides detailed information about the quality of our water and its compliance with regulatory standards.

At Bear Valley Springs, we are committed to providing a reliable and high-quality water delivery system to meet the needs of our community now and in the future.

The Amazing BVS Water System by Miles Coverdale from Miles Coverdale on Vimeo.

Our Watershed: Understanding the Connection to Our Drinking Water

In our unique watershed, much of our rainwater flows down from the surrounding mountain sides and gathers in a seasonal lake known as 'Surprise Lake.' It is important to protect this watershed for several reasons, including the sustainability of our drinking water supply and the preservation of our local ecosystem.

Our watershed serves as a critical water source for replenishing our wells, which are vital for our community's drinking water supply. By safeguarding the watershed, we ensure that it remains clean and free from contaminants, maintaining the quality of the water that eventually reaches our wells. This protection is crucial for ensuring a reliable and safe drinking water source for our residents.

Additionally, our watershed supports a diverse range of plant and animal species that are uniquely adapted to this environment. Our ecosystem  provides habitats for various wildlife, including our elk and the small animals that make up the food chain for predators like bear, mountain lion, bobcat, foxes, coyote, and raptors.

Protecting the watershed means preserving these habitats and promoting biodiversity. By maintaining the natural balance within our ecosystem, we contribute to the overall health and resilience of our local environment.

To protect our watershed, it is essential to practice responsible land management, such as limiting pollution, controlling erosion, and conserving water resources. Additionally, raising awareness within our community about the importance of watershed protection and promoting environmentally-friendly practices can make a significant impact.

By understanding the significance of our watershed and actively working to protect it, we ensure the sustainability of our drinking water supply and contribute to the conservation of our unique local ecosystem centered around Surprise Lake. Together, we can preserve this valuable resource for future generations and continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits it provides to our community.