Baldwin Lake Project FAQs

• To educate residents of Baldwin Lake on the potential health risks associated with contaminated water.
• To conduct a feasibility study exploring various solutions to water contamination issues.
• To identify and engage community members interested in participating in the planning and execution of water quality improvement efforts.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in rocks, soil, and water. When present in drinking water at high levels, uranium can pose significant health risks, including kidney damage and increased cancer risk. In Baldwin Lake, private wells have shown uranium levels significantly higher than the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) established for public water systems. 

Nitrate is a compound commonly found in fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful, especially for infants and pregnant women, leading to conditions such as methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.” In Baldwin Lake, some private wells have nitrate levels exceeding the MCL, which is suspected to be due to old and leaking sewage holding tanks. 

Several steps have been taken to address the contamination in Baldwin Lake:

• Initial private wells testing was conducted to determine the extent of contamination.
• Residents were notified about the contamination and potential health risks through advisory notifications.
• The community has been directed to local laboratories for further water testing.

The feasibility study will explore four main alternatives:

• Continued individual use of existing private wells (maintaining the status quo).
• Connection to an existing public water system, such as Big Bear City Community Services District (BBCCSD).
• Development of new wells and a distribution system to serve the community.
• Development of new centralized production wells, treatment, and a distribution system to serve the community.

Dudek Consultants is conducting the feasibility study, with support from Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and other project partners.

Community involvement is a crucial part of Project RCAC 6338-C. Outreach efforts include:

• Distributing factsheets and FAQs to inform residents about water quality concerns and potential solutions.
• Conducting community meetings to discuss the project and gather feedback.
• Surveying residents to gauge interest in different solutions and identify stakeholders willing to participate in planning and implementation efforts.

The project is funded through various sources, including general obligation bond proceeds and Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Funds (SADW Funds) authorized by the California State Water Resources Control Board. 

The expected outcomes of Project RCAC 6338-C include:

• A comprehensive feasibility study outlining viable solutions to address water contamination in Baldwin Lake.
• Increased awareness and education among residents about water quality issues and health risks.
• Identification of community members interested in participating in ongoing efforts to improve water quality and infrastructure.

Residents can get involved by:

• Attending community meetings and providing feedback on the project.
• Participating in surveys and expressing interest in joining stakeholder groups.
• Allowing their private wells to be tested for contamination as part of the study.

The project has several key milestones:

• Community outreach materials and initial meetings: Completed.
• Feasibility study commencement: Ongoing.
• Final feasibility study report: Oct. 30, 2025.
• Post-feasibility study support and follow-up: By Feb. 28, 2026.

If residents discover that their water is contaminated, they should:

• Stop using the contaminated water for drinking and cooking immediately.
• Contact local health authorities and follow their guidance on alternative water sources and testing.
• Consider participating in the project’s efforts to find long-term solutions.

Project RCAC 6338-C is part of broader water quality initiatives, including the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program, which aims to ensure that all Californians have access to safe and affordable drinking water. The project’s efforts to address contamination and engage the community contribute to the overall mission of improving water quality and infrastructure statewide. 

Uranium contamination can lead to kidney damage and increased cancer risk, while nitrate contamination can cause methemoglobinemia in infants, leading to “blue baby syndrome.” Both contaminants pose significant health risks, highlighting the importance of addressing the water quality issues in Baldwin Lake. 

To prevent future contamination, the project is:

• Exploring long-term solutions through the feasibility study.
• Educating residents on best practices for maintaining water quality, such as regular well testing and proper septic system maintenance.
• Collaborating with local authorities and water systems to develop sustainable water infrastructure.

Residents can access additional resources through:

• The California State Water Resources Control Board’s website.
• Local health departments and environmental health services.
• Nonprofit organizations focused on water quality and environmental health.

The project ensures transparency and accountability by:

• Regularly updating the community on project progress and findings.
• Involving residents in decision-making processes through surveys and meetings.
• Providing clear and accessible information about the project’s goals, activities, and outcomes.

The potential long-term benefits of Project RCAC 6338-C include:

• Safe and reliable drinking water for all Baldwin Lake residents.
• Enhanced community resilience to water quality issues.
• Improved public health and quality of life.
• Strengthened collaboration between residents, local authorities, and water systems.

The next steps for Project RCAC 6338-C include:

• Finalizing the feasibility study and presenting the findings to the community.
• Gathering additional community feedback and refining the proposed solutions.
• Implementing the chosen solution and monitoring its effectiveness over time.