Water Quality Program
In April, our community celebrated the reopening of spring shellfish harvest in Portage Bay. The Washington State Department of Health announced the spring reopening, recognizing community actions to reduce fecal bacteria pollution in the Nooksack River watershed that flows to Portage Bay. With recovery of spring harvest achieved, Portage Bay remains closed to harvest only three months a year during the fall.
Fall is a challenging time for improving water quality and requires consistent efforts to address preventable sources of fecal bacteria pollution. After months of dry summer weather, fecal bacteria from sources such as farm animals and pets build up on the land. Fall rains pick up pollutants and carry them into our ditches and creeks and downstream to our bays and harbors. Fecal bacteria pollution limits people’s ability to safely work in, play in, and harvest food from local waters.
We have tips for farms, septic systems, pet waste, boats and RVs, and urban wildlife to help you find a way to contribute to the solution.
Click here for tips and more information about how you can help prevent pollution closures
Fall is a challenging time for improving water quality and requires consistent efforts to address preventable sources of fecal bacteria pollution. After months of dry summer weather, fecal bacteria from sources such as farm animals and pets build up on the land. Fall rains pick up pollutants and carry them into our ditches and creeks and downstream to our bays and harbors. Fecal bacteria pollution limits people’s ability to safely work in, play in, and harvest food from local waters.
We have tips for farms, septic systems, pet waste, boats and RVs, and urban wildlife to help you find a way to contribute to the solution.
Click here for tips and more information about how you can help prevent pollution closures
Contact Us
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Gary Stoyka
Natural Resources Program Manager
Erika Douglas
Senior Water Quality Planner
Email the PIC Program
Water & Natural Resources
322 N. Commercial Street, Suite 110
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360.778.6230
Public Works Department
Phone: 360-778-6200
Fax: 360-778-6201
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed legal holidays
Pollution, Identification and Correction (PIC) Program
Water Quality is a large topic. There are many different things that can influence the quality of our water. Whatcom County’s Pollution, Identification and Correction (PIC) program is focused on one particular pollution concern facing our County – fecal coliform bacteria.
Why do we Care About Fecal Coliform Bacteria?
When there is too much fecal coliform bacteria (originating from human and animal poop) in the water it indicates that there are likely pathogens present that can make people sick. Shellfish beds in the marine water are closed to harvesting when bacteria levels are too high.
Whatcom County Public Works uses water quality monitoring data to identify priority areas for improvement programs and provides community outreach and education, technical and financial assistance for landowners, and coordination with County departments and other agencies to identify and address potential bacteria sources.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J18001 through the Washington State Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Washington State Department of Health, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.