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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Latest News
Get Rid of Your Yard Waste the Right Way
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.
Watershed Work Window Closes September 30
The work window for ground disturbing activities closes September 30 in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Ground disturbing activities include clearing vegetation, adding topsoil or fill, and other activities that move or expose soil. Special regulations apply to prevent erosion during the rainy season from October 1 to May 31. Dirty water flowing into Lake Whatcom adds phosphorus, harming water quality and aquatic life. Learn more:
Thank you for taking care to prevent erosion during the rainy season.
Posted September 25, 2020