Water Quality Program

Happy New Year! In 2019, the community had several water quality successes:

Spring harvest restrictions were lifted from 800 acres of tribal shellfish beds in Portage Bay
765 acres of shellfish beds in Drayton Harbor were upgraded to year round harvest
Had almost 500 attendees at the Small Farm Expo at the Lynden Fairgrounds on March 9th
Spread the word about the importance of dog poop pick-up with our Poop Fairy Outreach campaign www.whatcomcounty.us/scooppoop
Celebrated clean water and fresh harvest at the 4th annual Drayton Harbor Shellebration!
Helped 177 homeowners with septic maintenance costs through our Septic Maintenance Rebate Program

The wet season is a challenging time for protecting and improving water quality. It requires consistent efforts to address preventable sources of fecal bacteria pollution. As our soils become saturated, fecal bacteria from sources such as farm animals, pets, and wildlife are picked up by rain and carried 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

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.