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.
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Learn more about Lake Whatcom Management Program news, meetings, and events.
Latest News
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Interested in learning about water quality protection and stewardship opportunities in the Lake Whatcom watershed? Subscribe to the Lake Whatcom Lowdown, a quarterly e-newsletter with updates about Lake Whatcom protection efforts. Click here to subscribe. View the July edition and other past issues here.
Posted: July 27, 2021
New city project is a big step for Lake Whatcom cleanup
Curious about the construction near the intersection of Northshore Drive and Britton Road? The City of Bellingham is upgrading a stormwater facility that will treat an astounding 53% of all runoff entering Lake Whatcom through the City’s stormwater pipes. The Park Place Water Quality Facility will use new, state-of-the-art filtration material developed by the City. The new material will not only effectively remove phosphorus and other pollutants from stormwater, but will do it at a faster rate than other existing systems. It will save money and space and get us one big step closer to a healthy Lake Whatcom. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
To learn more, visit the City of Bellingham’s project overview page.
Posted July 22, 2021
How will you save water this summer?
Did you know that during the dry summer months, outdoor watering increases our community’s daily average drinking water demand from 10 to 15 million gallons per day? This places an extra strain on the City’s drinking water supply. Watering lawns and landscapes accounts for 80-90% of the increase. Nearly half of this water is wasted due to evaporation loss, over-watering and run-off.
Learn about smart watering tips and pledge to reduce your outdoor watering here.
Posted July 16, 2021
Improve your wildfire awareness and safety
Attention Lake Whatcom area residents! The Whatcom Conservation District is hosting two FREE workshops on wildfire featuring local experts and great resources for residents to improve wildfire awareness and safety. Also, check out details for a chance to win local prizes! Click here for more details and registration information.
Posted July 14, 2021