Lake Whatcom is a vital resource, providing drinking water, recreation and wildlife habitat to our community. The City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District formed the Lake Whatcom Management Program in 1998 to coordinate programs and projects that restore, protect and preserve Lake Whatcom and its surrounding watershed.
Our Progress
Learn more about program goals and actions. Track our progress.
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Learn more about actions you can take to help prevent pollution and protect Lake Whatcom.
What's New
Learn more about Lake Whatcom Management Program news, meetings, and events.
Latest News
Keep Lake Whatcom in Mind When You Mow this Spring
Gather your grass clippings! Your unmanaged grass clippings may add nutrients like phosphorus to our waterways and Lake Whatcom. Nutrients feed algae blooms, which can harm water quality and wildlife. You can help manage your clippings by using FoodPlus!, bringing them to a local disposal service, or composting at home using a contained system. Go to whatcomcounty.us/yardwaste to learn more.
Posted: May 20, 2022
Learn what the Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility accomplished in 2021
The 2021 Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility (LWSU) Annual Report is now available. This utility provides additional funding for Whatcom County stormwater management programs and activities in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Read the report to learn what the LWSU accomplished in 2021 and how utility funds were spent.
For more information visit: https://whatcomcounty.us/2830/Lake-Whatcom-Stormwater-Utility.
Posted: May 11, 2022
April edition of Lake Whatcom Lowdown now available
Check out the April 2022 issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information best lawn care practices, Aquatic Invasive Species inspection station information, the Find Fido scavenger hunt, watershed work window requirements, and the new POST water treatment system developed by the City of Bellingham. Click here to subscribe! Links to past issues are available on our Resources Page.
Posted: April 29, 2022
Are you ready for a new boating season?
Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS)! Remember to purchase your 2022 AIS permit online before heading to the boat launch. You will receive your permit after your vessel passes inspection. Inspection stations at Bloedel Donovan Park and Lake Samish open on Saturday, April 23. Other Lake Whatcom inspection stations will open soon. For inspection station details and 2021 inspection and monitoring results, please visit whatcomboatinspections.com/.
Posted: April 18, 2022