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
We want to hear about your yard waste!
It’s yard care season! What do you do with your grass clippings, prunings, and other yard waste? Take our survey and tell us how you dispose of yard waste. Lake Whatcom Management Program partners will use your feedback to improve services for watershed residents and protect water quality in Lake Whatcom. Click here to take the survey.
Posted: April 30, 2021
Boat Inspection Stations Open April 24
Are you ready for a new boating season? Remember to purchase your 2021 permit online before heading to the boat launch. You will receive your permit after your vessel passes inspection. Inspection stations at Bloedel Donovan Park, Sudden Valley Marina, and Lake Samish open on Saturday, April 24. The Lake Whatcom South Bay station will open Sunday, May 2.
Please note that COVID-19 safety protocols are still in place for the 2021 boating season. For more information about what to expect as well as inspection locations and hours, please visit https://whatcomboatinspections.com/.
Posted: April 19, 2021
Look for the Zero
Thinking about fertilizing your lawn this spring? Remember to look for the zero! Local laws prohibit using fertilizer containing phosphorus in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Fertilizer products list three numbers from left to right for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Make sure the middle number is zero. For more information, Phosphorus: Too Much of a Good Thing.
Posted: April 9, 2021
Lake Whatcom 2020 Progress Report Now Available
The Lake Whatcom Management Program 2020 Progress Report is now available. The report provides a summary of work completed to meet the objectives of the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2020-2024 Work Plan. To view the progress report and work plan, visit our Resources Page.
Posted: March 16, 2021
Subscribe to the Lake Whatcom Lowdown
The first edition of the Lake Whatcom Lowdown is here! Do you live, work, or play in the Lake Whatcom watershed? Subscribe now to receive quarterly updates about the Lake Whatcom watershed. You can view the first edition and subscribe here.
Posted: February 1, 2021