Resource Library

Whatcom Clean Water Program

The Whatcom Clean Water Program (WCWP) is a partnership of local, state, tribal, and federal organizations working to reduce fecal bacteria in Whatcom County surface waters and restore shellfish growing areas.

Are you Ready For Spring? Spring Tips and Information to Protect Water Quality

Are you Ready For Fall Rain? Fall Tips and Information to Protect Water Quality

Whatcom Clean Water Program (WCWP) Overview Brochure

Nooksack River Transboundary Collaboration Group 2020-2021 Annual Report

Nooksack River Transboundary Collaboration Group 2019-2020 Annual Report

Nooksack River Transboundary Collaboration Group: 2018-2019 Annual Report

Water Quality Monitoring Protocols & Plans

Whatcom County Water Quality Monitoring: Fecal Coliform Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) 

Standard Operating Procedures: Direct Grab Sample Collection with Sample Bottle for Fecal Coliform Analysis

Guidelines for Landowners

Many landowners have indicated an interest in collecting their own water quality samples. These guidelines (PDF) provide background information and step-by-step directions for choosing sampling sites, collecting samples, delivering samples to a certified laboratory, and interpreting your lab results.  

Annual Water Quality Reports

Water quality data is compiled and reviewed on an annual basis to determine current status and priority areas for water quality improvement programs. 

 2011 Report  
 2012 Report
 2013 Report
 2015 Report
 2017 Report

State Department of Health Reports

For more information or questions about the DOH Shellfish program and reports, click here for contact information.

Drayton Harbor Sanitary Survey (2010)
Drayton Harbor Addendum to the 2010 Sanitary Survey (2016)
 
Portage Bay Sanitary Survey (2003) 
Portage Bay Sanitary Survey (2009)
Portage Bay Addendum to the 2009 Sanitary Survey (2019)

Birch Bay Addendum to the 2009 Sanitary Survey (2017)
Birch Bay Addendum to the 2009 Sanitary Survey (2018)

Source Tracking

Nooksack River Watershed Microbial Source Tracking (MST) Study Q&A

Environmental Canine Services (2016) 

Addendum to Drayton Harbor Watershed Fecal Coliform TMDL and Phase 3 Microbial Source Tracking: Semiahmoo Bay (2010)

Abstract: California Creek and Drayton Harbor Microbial Source Tracking Pilot Study (2008)
 
California Creek and Drayton Harbor Microbial Source Tracking Pilot Study (2008)
 
California Creek and Drayton Harbor Microbial Source Tracking Pilot Study Monitoring Plan (2006)
 
Peace Portal Dye Test (2003)
 
Marine Drive Dye Test (2003)

Drayton Harbor Community Shoreline Monitoring (2002)

Circulation Studies

Blaine Harbor Circulation Studies (2003)

Semiahmoo Bay Circulation Study (2003)

Semiahmoo Bay Circulation Study Figures (2003)

Landowner Tips

Whatcom County Standard Farm Conservation Plan - Planning Workbook: Checklist and Action Plan
 
WCDWorkbook
 

Small Farm Composting Guide
  
 The guide is written for use by landowners with small ‘hobby’ farms in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Jefferson and Clallam counties and contains information about using composting as an option for managing livestock waste. The guide has information on why composting may be a good alternative for waste management, how to begin composting, and how best to manage your compost pile. The booklet also contains several compost bin designs and information on siting your bin.

CompostBins

Best Management Practice Factsheets 
 
 We use the term “best management practices” or “BMPs” when referring to various methods for preventing or reducing potential pollution that could result from an agricultural activity. The term originated from rules and regulation in Section 208 of the federal Clean Water Act. Click on the factsheets below to learn more:
  

FactsheetCollage