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.
Get Involved
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
Anderson Creek Restoration Project Update
A recently constructed City restoration project will improve both water quality and salmon habitat in Anderson Creek. Located between Mirror Lake and the southeast end of Lake Whatcom, this habitat restoration project reverses historical impacts and restores natural processes in Anderson Creek. Improvements include native plantings to restore stream habitat, placement of large woody debris along the stream bank to reduce sediment erosion, and removal of an old creosote bridge. Project benefits include improved habitat for native cutthroat and kokanee salmon and reduction of toxic chemicals in the creek.
To learn more about the Anderson Creek Water Quality Improvements project, visit the City of Bellingham’s project overview page.
Posted December 15, 2021
Silver Beach Creek Stormwater Improvements
The Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater Division recently completed a construction project to improve the water quality entering Silver Beach Creek in the Lake Whatcom watershed. The installation of a “Modular Wetland System” will treat runoff from approximately 22 acres of development by removing phosphorus, sediment, metals, bacteria and other pollutants from the water flowing into the lake. Visit the project web page for more information: whatcomcounty.us/3445/Silver-Beach-Creek-Phase-1
Posted December 7, 2021
Septic Maintenance Rebates Available in the Lake Whatcom Watershed
Did you know septic system evaluations are required every 1 or 3 years, depending on the type of system you have? Performing regular evaluations and maintenance now can save you money in the long run.
We can help reduce the cost of your evaluation. Take advantage of our Septic Maintenance Rebate Program, and you could get up to $200 back! Certain restrictions and requirements apply, including completion of a free training. Visit the website, or call Molly Burke at (360)778-6267 for more info.
Posted November 30, 2021
Volunteer to help protect Lake Whatcom
Do you live, work, or play in the Lake Whatcom watershed? To serve the interests of the community and protect watershed health, we have developed some exciting volunteer opportunities. We are currently offering three ways to get involved:
Watershed Watchers: Activities include reporting flooding, erosion, and pollution problems, picking up litter with a provided kit, and/or keeping storm drains free of debris.
Photo Sharing: Share your photos of Lake Whatcom, the surrounding forests and trails, and the people and wildlife that call this beautiful place home.
Pet Waste Ambassador: help us spread the message that picking up after your pet is the right thing to do!
Visit our website to learn more. If you’re interested, scroll down and fill out the volunteer interest form. We will get back to you with more information.
Posted November 22, 2021