### Meeting Overview The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, City of Bellingham, and Whatcom County held their annual joint meeting on April 2, 2025, to review the 2020-2024 Lake Whatcom Management Program accomplishments and present the new 2025-2029 work plan. The meeting featured water quality monitoring reports from Western Washington University and highlighted collaborative efforts to protect Lake Whatcom as the region's drinking water source. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL):** A federal Clean Water Act requirement that sets limits on the amount of phosphorus that can be discharged into Lake Whatcom to protect water quality. **Effective Developed Acres Reduced:** A TMDL measurement unit representing developed land where stormwater treatment has reduced phosphorus runoff to forest-level amounts. **Eutrophication:** The process where excess phosphorus promotes algae growth, which then decomposes and consumes oxygen, creating harmful conditions for aquatic life. **Internal Loading:** When phosphorus stored in lake sediments releases back into the water column during low-oxygen conditions, continuing the cycle of nutrient pollution. **Stratification:** Summer lake conditions where warm water floats on top of cold water, preventing mixing and creating oxygen-depleted bottom layers. **POST System:** Phosphorus Optimized Stormwater Treatment - an open-source, cost-effective stormwater treatment system developed by the City of Bellingham. **Lake Whatcom Management Program:** A collaborative effort between three jurisdictions established in 1998 to protect and improve lake water quality through coordinated five-year work plans. **Home Ignition Zone:** A 150-foot buffer around structures where vegetation and fuels are managed to reduce wildfire risk. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Todd Citron | President, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District | | Kim Lund | Mayor, City of Bellingham | | Paul Sidhu | Whatcom County Executive | | Dr. Angela Strecker | Director, Western Washington University Institute for Watershed Studies | | Justin Clary | Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District | | Gary Stoyker | Whatcom County Public Works | | Jason Porter | City of Bellingham Surface and Stormwater Manager | | Hannah Stone | Bellingham City Council Member | | Michael Lilliquist | Bellingham City Council Member | | Barry Buchanan | Whatcom County Council Member | ### Background Context Lake Whatcom serves as the sole drinking water source for over 120,000 people in Whatcom County. The lake has experienced declining water quality since the 1960s due to residential development and loss of old-growth forests that once acted as natural filters. In 2016, federal regulations required local governments to develop a cleanup plan focusing primarily on reducing phosphorus pollution that causes harmful algae growth and oxygen depletion. The three jurisdictions have spent over $50 million in recent years on lake protection efforts, including land acquisition, stormwater treatment facilities, and forest management. Climate change adds urgency to these efforts, as warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns could worsen water quality conditions. The collaborative management approach is considered exceptional nationally for its integration across different program areas and sustained cooperation between jurisdictions over more than 25 years. ### What Happened — The Short Version Western Washington University reported mixed water quality trends: surface phosphorus levels have stabilized after earlier increases, but dissolved oxygen continues declining and internal phosphorus loading remains problematic. The university emphasized that while catastrophic conditions aren't imminent, lake recovery is slow and requires sustained effort. Staff presented accomplishments from the 2020-2024 work plan, including completion of major stormwater projects, purchase of 607 acres for forest protection, and development of innovative treatment technologies. The city is approaching its phosphorus reduction targets, while the county has achieved about 25% of its goals. Public commenters highlighted concerns about development patterns, with 80% of new housing occurring in Sudden Valley, and called for stronger county-level protections and more consistent regulations between jurisdictions. Several speakers emphasized the need for better coordination on comprehensive planning and water system planning. Council members expressed frustration with the meeting format, requesting more time for policy discussions and more frequent coordination beyond the annual meeting. Cost concerns were raised about the financial burden on residents as treatment requirements intensify. ### What to Watch Next - Department of Ecology review of updated phosphorus models, potentially leading to TMDL reassessment in about one year - Implementation of new climate vulnerability assessment and rapid response plan for invasive species - Progress on joint forest management plan between city and county - Results from enhanced stormwater facility monitoring to refine phosphorus reduction estimates ---

**Q:** What percentage of Lake Whatcom watershed land is under county jurisdiction? **A:** 92% of the watershed is in unincorporated Whatcom County, making county-level protections critical for lake health. **Q:** How many acres of forest are now protected in the Lake Whatcom watershed? **A:** 12,649 acres are protected through ownership by the city and county, plus conservation easements and deed restrictions. **Q:** What was the city's record year for land acquisition? **A:** 2023, when Bellingham purchased 16 properties totaling 162 acres, with 2025 already exceeding that record. **Q:** Where did 80% of new housing units occur in the watershed from 2018-2023? **A:** In Sudden Valley, with 123 of 154 total new dwelling units built there during that period. **Q:** How much money did the city save on the Park Place stormwater facility? **A:** Over $400,000 in construction costs by developing their own POST treatment system instead of proprietary alternatives. **Q:** What is the water residence time for Lake Whatcom? **A:** Six years - the time it takes for every drop of water in the lake to be completely replaced. **Q:** How many people depend on Lake Whatcom for drinking water? **A:** Over 120,000 people in Whatcom County and beyond rely on the lake as their sole drinking water source. **Q:** What percentage of city stormwater runoff to infrastructure is now treated? **A:** About 90% of runoff to the city's stormwater infrastructure receives treatment before entering the lake. **Q:** How many households received the Lake Whatcom residential survey? **A:** 5,400 households representing about 18,000 individuals, with 920 responses received for analysis. **Q:** What improvement was seen in pet waste disposal practices? **A:** 96% of residents now properly bag and dispose of pet waste, up from 83% in 2018. **Q:** How many letters did the city send to undeveloped property owners? **A:** 2,062 letters during the five-year period, proactively seeking land acquisition opportunities beyond just watching listings. **Q:** What is the lifespan of the city's new POST treatment media? **A:** About 15 years before replacement is needed, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs. **Q:** How many written comments were received on the new five-year work plan? **A:** 307 comments from extensive public outreach, leading to significant improvements in the plan. **Q:** What percentage of residents are concerned about climate change? **A:** 77% of Lake Whatcom watershed residents express concern about climate change impacts. **Q:** How many program areas are in the new 2025-2029 work plan? **A:** 12 program areas, expanded from 10 by adding specific focus on climate action and forest management. **Q:** What was detected in Idaho that affects Lake Whatcom planning? **A:** Quagga mussels in the Snake River system, prompting development of a rapid response plan for invasive species. **Q:** How many stormwater treatment systems has the city installed? **A:** About 100 systems total - approximately 50 major and 50 minor treatment facilities throughout the city portion of the watershed. **Q:** What percentage of the county's TMDL target has been achieved? **A:** About 25% according to public comment, compared to the city being very close to meeting its targets. **Q:** How much has been spent on lake management in recent years? **A:** Over $50 million in the last few years, not including additional water treatment plant upgrade costs. **Q:** What do the three jurisdictions plan to monitor more closely going forward? **A:** Real-world performance of stormwater facilities through enhanced monitoring of phosphorus removal rates. ---