Water Quality Program

Congratulations Whatcom County! In 2019, community actions led to improved water quality and two significant shellfish bed reopenings.

Spring harvest restrictions were removed from 800 acres of tribal shellfish beds in Portage Bay.
765 acres of shellfish beds in Drayton Harbor were upgraded to year-round harvest.

However, we still have more work to do. Portage Bay still remains closed to shellfish harvest from October through December. Elevated fecal bacteria results continue to be observed with large rain events. Curious about what you can do to help? Check out Finding and Fixing Problems or sign-up for our monthly E-newsletter. We are all a part of the solution!

Are you interested in helping guide this program? We have open advisory committee positions. The committees meet quarterly on the last Wednesday of the month (January, April, July, and October). You can learn more and apply here.

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.