We're excited to share that construction has begun on the installation of new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station gates at the Bloedel Donovan Park boat launch. The gates will help ensure uninspected boats don't enter Lake Whatcom during hours when seasonal AIS staff are not working on-site.
During these times, anyone launching their boat at the park will need to call a dedicated hotline for a remote, staff-assisted inspection. A trained AIS staff member will guide the boater through verbal steps to verify the boat has a valid permit and is clean, drained, and dry. This remote inspection process may, in some cases, result in the need for an in-person inspection before lake access is granted. This is a vital step in our ongoing efforts to protect our drinking water source from invasive species as visitation to our local lakes grow and AIS detections occur closer to Whatcom County.
Construction for this project started July 30 and will continue over the coming weeks. Rest assured, the boat launch and access to the lake will remain open during this time, although a few parking spots may be temporarily unavailable. You'll see crews installing the gates and the necessary conduit for the gate system. While working in the area, we will also be removing non-native vegetation to re-plant with native species that can better filter stormwater to protect lake water quality.
Boaters play a critical role in protecting the lake. Please help us by ensuring all boats are cleaned, drained, and dried between uses.
Construction begins in August on a new pollution treatment facility, located at Donald Avenue and Northshore Drive, that will help protect water quality in Lake Whatcom. The facility will reduce excess phosphorus levels in the lake, which can cause conditions that harm fish, plants, and wildlife. It will also filter pollutants such as vehicle oil, sediment, fertilizer, and tire dust in stormwater runoff from the surrounding residential area before it enters the lake.
In the same area and around the same timeframe as this project, the City is also replacing the watermain along Northshore Drive between Silver Beach Avenue and Hayward Drive. Once complete, the road will be re-paved. A section of Academy Road within City limits will also be re-paved.
Travelers in these areas can expect traffic delays during construction, but access to homes will be maintained.
Did you know our community’s water use increases by 50 percent in the summer? Unfortunately, much of this water is lost due to over-watering lawns and evaporation in the heat! By embracing water-wise practices, you can save money and help reduce stress on our drinking water supply.
Tips for Efficient Watering:
- Follow the Voluntary Watering Schedule and skip watering based on your address. Take the outdoor water conservation pledge at cob.org/conserve for free tools and tips.
- "Gold is the New Green!" Let your lawn go dormant (it's healthy and means less mowing). Lawns only need 1 inch of water per week to stay green.
- Water early: 7-10 a.m. is best. Use a hose timer to prevent runoff and waste.
Want to learn more? Visit cob.org/conserve for additional water-saving tips.
 Lake Whatcom Alluring by Joanna Twombly-Wiser
Ever been curious about how the City manages Lake Whatcom’s water level to ensure a reliable drinking water supply year-round, even during the warmer summer months? Throughout the year, we operate a control dam at the head of Whatcom Creek to regulate the lake’s surface level, which is primarily influenced by rainfall. We adjust the lake level to balance:
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Drinking water supply: Maintaining sufficient water for our drinking water treatment plant.
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Flood prevention: Ensuring the lake doesn’t exceed levels that would lead to flooding in the area.
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Salmon habitat: Providing adequate flow in Whatcom Creek for native fish.
Visit the City’s website to learn more and view an interactive dashboard that shows the current lake level.
Get your hands dirty and help grow a greener, healthier community! Join your neighbors on Saturday, October 25 at 9:00 AM at the Sudden Valley Welcome Center (1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd) to help bring a beautiful, sustainable Native Plant Demonstration Garden to life.
Why it matters: This community garden will serve as a living classroom for native plants and play a key role in protecting Lake Louise.
All ages welcome – no experience needed! Just bring yourself, some gloves, and a willingness to dig in.
Did you know over 28 million pounds of dog waste are produced each year in Whatcom and Skagit counties? When left behind, it can wash into waterways—polluting creeks, Lake Whatcom, rivers, and even marine habitats. That’s why the two counties have joined forces in a regional campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and protect our shared environment.
Since launching in 2023, the initiative has reached hundreds through pop-up outreach events in parks, pet stores, and trailheads—educating residents and encouraging everyone to “Scoop it, Bag it, Trash it.”
Look for staff this summer at local trails, parks, and community events where they’ll be handing out free resources, answering questions, and inviting you to take the Scoop the Poop pledge.
Learn more at www.scoop-poop.org or listen to the latest episode of the Whatcom County Public Works podcast.
A cleaner community starts with you—pick up after your pet and protect the places we all love.
Bonus! Dog Days of Summer is right around the corner! Visit Whatcom County and City of Bellingham's shared booth from 11am-3pm on August 24 at the Whatcom Humane Society to learn all about the We Scoop program and how we can make our communities cleaner for all.
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