The final report for a 2020 study of water quality impacts from on-site sewage systems (also known as OSS or septic systems) on Lake Whatcom’s north shore is now available.

The study builds on a 2017 study that concluded that septic systems along North Shore Road are a likely source of bacteria and phosphorus contamination to Lake Whatcom.

The 2020 study did not find a correlation between human biomarkers from septic systems and phosphorus and fecal bacteria levels, indicating that these septic system contaminants are likely removed by soils prior to reaching the lake.

Download the final reports for both the 2017 and 2020 studies:

• Lake Whatcom North Shore On-Site Sewage System Leachate Detection Project Report (2017)

• Lake Whatcom On-Site Sewage System Impact Assessment Report (2020)

Visit our Water Quality page for more information on Lake Whatcom water quality monitoring.

Did recent windstorms leave a pile of leaves to rake in your yard? What to do with all of those leaves? It may not seem intuitive, but yard waste is pollution. You are required to dispose of it properly. Dumping it near ditches and roads, creeks or Lake Whatcom is not a good option.

Leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste piled near ditches, roads, or water can:

• Plug storm drains and culverts, causing flooding and increasing maintenance costs.

• Add excess nutrients and other pollutants to the water, harming water quality and wildlife.

• Spread invasive plants, harming native vegetation and habitat.