Photo by K. Moran, 2014

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. 

Photo by T. Ward, 2015

Our Progress

Learn more about program goals and actions. Track our progress.

Photo by G. Mednick, 2019

Get Involved

Learn more about actions you can take to help prevent pollution and protect Lake Whatcom.

Photo by City of Bellingham, 2018

What's New

Learn more about Lake Whatcom Management Program news, meetings, and events.

POSTPONED- December 4th LWMP Policy Group Meeting

The LWMP Policy Group meeting scheduled for December 4, 2024 has been postponed. The new meeting details, agenda, and materials will be available on the Lake Whatcom Policy Group Meeting Materials webpage in the coming week.


Updated: December 3, 2024

Lake bordered by homes and green trees glowing in the sun with clouds in the background and gravel and grass in the foreground

October Lake Whatcom Lowdown Now Available

Check out the October Issue of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, our quarterly e-newsletter with watershed updates and stewardship opportunities. This latest issue provides information on:

Click here to subscribe! Links to past issues are available in our Lake Whatcom Lowdown Archive


Posted: November 1, 2024

Storm drain with wet orange and yellow leaves on the ground

Manage Your Leaves to Protect Our Water

Leaves and other yard debris can pollute our water and cause flooding when managed incorrectly. Instead of piling debris where it may leach excess nutrients or block drainage, try one of the following options:

If you can do so safely, please clear storm drains of leaves and debris or report blocked drains:


Posted: October 15, 2024

Five adults wearing yellow vests and standing or sitting under a white tent

Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish AIS Inspection Stations Close for the Season

The Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish AIS inspection stations closed for the season on Monday September 30th. Permits for the 2025 season go on sale January 2nd and the season starts April 26th 2025!

If boat owners do not plan on using their boat throughout the winter months, they are encouraged to have their boats wire sealed to ensure a speedy and efficient start to the 2025 boating season. If you happen to miss us at the boat launch, don’t worry! Our year-round staff are available (starting October 1st) Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM to meet you and seal your boat. Just be sure to call with advance notice.

To find out the most current hours of operation, to schedule an appointment, or to have your vessel wire sealed, please call the AIS Boat Inspection Hotline at: (360) 778-7975.

Thank you all and see you in 2025!

Posted: October 1, 2024