Protect Lake Whatcom Reservoir -
it's our drinking water!
it's our drinking water!
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Protect Lake Whatcom Reservoir -
it's our drinking water! |
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Download a copy of our brochure. (76k - PDF - 2004, still valid)
Why Is the Lake Whatcom Reservoir Important? Lake Whatcom is listed as an impaired water body by the E.P.A. under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act. This listing requires specific action by local governments to address the sources of pollution. This listing is also a wake up call and a reliable indicator of progressive future problems unless meaningful action is taken now to protect Lake Whatcom. The watershed area is partly in the City of Bellingham and partly in unincorporated Whatcom County, so controls should be set and actions should be taken by both governments. What Are the Primary Threats to the Lake Whatcom Reservoir? There are many individual sources of pollution; however, there is broad scientific and community agreement that residential and business development is the most significant threat to future water quality. Chemicals used around households and deposited by vehicles are detrimental, and allowing those to move to the lake in runoff is a major cause of lake pollution. What Can We Do To Protect Our Drinking Water Supply In the Lake Whatcom Reservoir? People for Lake Whatcom is a group concerned about the current water quality of the lake and about the long-term viability of Lake Whatcom as our drinking water resource. We advocate for a comprehensive program that addresses land use issues, landowner property rights, stormwater management, education, scientific study, residential stewardship and public awareness. Only a comprehensive program can provide the basis for the long-term protection of our drinking water source. Are Existing Programs And Proposals Enough? No. The construction of a new sewer line by (then-named) Water District 10 (now named Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District) has allowed significant new development in sensitive areas of the watershed prior to studies being completed and prior to City and County programs to control stormwater runoff being designed, much less funded and built. Land Acquisition programs are an integral part of a comprehensive plan. While downzoning is also an integral part, these are only pieces of a comprehensive approach that must be taken if we are to preserve the Lake Whatcom Reservoir as our drinking water resource for future generations. A comprehensive watershed plan should include:
Those who live in the watershed can become active stewards of this valuable resource. Our elected officials also need to know that we are concerned; and that everyone needs to protect the Lake Whatcom Reservoir -- it's our drinking water. |
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Information on this group: People for Lake Whatcom P O Box 2242 Bellingham WA 98227 email: info@pflw.org |
Please check LakeWhatcom.org for more Lake Whatcom related information. © 2002-2007 People for Lake Whatcom Last updated: 2007-10-31 -- |