### Meeting Overview The Water Resources Advisory Board met on July 22, 2025, to review results from a citywide utility customer survey and discuss a draft Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan for Lake Whatcom. The board approved a resolution supporting an interlocal agreement between multiple agencies to implement the invasive species response plan. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB):** City advisory body that provides input on water, sewer, stormwater, and Lake Whatcom watershed protection policies to City Council and staff. **DHM Research:** Portland-based research firm hired by the City to conduct a statistically valid survey of 400 residential utility customers about satisfaction and priorities. **Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):** Non-native freshwater mussels (quagga, zebra, and golden) that threaten Lake Whatcom's drinking water supply and ecosystem. **Incident Command System (ICS):** Emergency management framework led by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that would coordinate rapid response to invasive mussel detection. **Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group:** Body of elected officials, tribal entities, and other stakeholders that provides input during an invasive species emergency response. **Lake Whatcom:** Primary drinking water source for 120,000 people in Bellingham and surrounding areas, managed jointly by the City and Whatcom County. **Customer Assistance Program:** City program providing water bill discounts (25%, 50%, or 75%) to households earning 40%, 60%, or 80% of Area Median Income based on household size. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Bret Beaupain | WRAB Chair | | Riley Grant | Public Works Communications and Outreach Manager | | Hannah Borenstein | DHM Research | | Devin Bales | DHM Research Director | | Dr. Erika Rubenson | Four Peaks Environmental Consultants | | Mike Olinger | Public Works Deputy Director | ### Background Context Bellingham recently passed utility rate increases to fund infrastructure upgrades, making customer satisfaction data crucial for understanding public acceptance. The utility survey revealed generally high satisfaction but concerns about affordability, reflecting broader cost-of-living pressures across the region. Meanwhile, the city faces growing risk of invasive mussel introduction to Lake Whatcom through recreational boating. Recent detections in Idaho's Snake River have heightened urgency for a coordinated response plan. The city already operates prevention programs including boat inspections and decontamination, which have successfully deterred high-risk boats and generated additional revenue through new fee structures. ### What Happened — The Short Version DHM Research presented findings from a survey showing 83% of residents are satisfied with quality of life in Bellingham, with 81% satisfied with utility services. However, affordability concerns dominated dissatisfaction responses. The city is expanding its customer assistance program in response. Dr. Rubenson then presented a draft rapid response plan for invasive mussels, detailing how multiple agencies would coordinate emergency response including containment curtains, boat launch closures, and chemical treatments. Board members questioned the plan's emphasis on preserving recreational access over drinking water protection, citing legal and political constraints that prevent lake closure. The board unanimously approved a resolution supporting the interlocal agreement. ### What to Watch Next - Implementation of expanded customer assistance program for utility bills - Final adoption of invasive species response plan by City Council - Installation of automated gates at Lodell Donovan Park boat launch - Ongoing tribal consultation on invasive species response plan ---