Point Roberts Drainage Study

Study Area Map

Map of Point Roberts, WA showing the area to be included in the drainage study.

Summary

Whatcom County is studying Point Roberts to assess existing and future drainage conditions and patterns. The study is necessary to: identify and understand drainage problem areas, develop planning-level solutions and cost estimates, and identify funding options. The study findings will be formalized into a Drainage Management Plan.

Project Benefits

The Drainage Management Plan will be used to develop future projects targeting identified drainage problems that will improve stormwater conveyance, reduce flooding, and protect water quality in Point Roberts.

Project Overview

Over the past several years, more drainage complaints have been reported in Point Roberts. Drainage is challenged by high water tables, seasonal flooding, low-lying areas that suffer upland and marine flooding, and possible influence by Canadian land development and maintenance practices along the border. To better understand these chronic drainage issues and challenges and how to manage them, Whatcom County will conduct a comprehensive drainage study of the entire Point Roberts area over the next 18 months. 

The study is divided into two phases: 

  • Phase 1: Initial Evaluation and Conclusions – Beginning June 2023, this phase involves collecting field data, public input, and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to establish needs and capacities for main drainage routes through the area. This analysis will be used to identify drainage problems to which conceptual-level solutions and cost estimates can be developed. This process and initial findings will be compiled into a report and presented during a public meeting to garner local input.  
  • Phase 2: Develop Drainage Management Plan – Efforts from Phase 1, along with more detailed analysis and evaluation, will result in a drainage management plan: a prioritized and systematic action plan to solving stormwater problems in the area. This plan provides the County with critical planning information for improving drainage conveyance, reducing flooding, and protecting water quality in Point Roberts. It will be shared and presented publicly upon its completion. 

Public Survey

We are asking for your input as part of the Point Roberts Drainage Study. Anyone who lives in Point Roberts is encouraged to provide feedback on drainage issues on the Point. When responding, please only consider issues in Point Roberts, as highlighted in the map above. 

Stay Updated

Using the Notify Me system, you can sign up to get "News Flash' notifications by text or email whenever we have project updates to share.

How to sign up to receive email and/or text notifications: 

  1. Go to the Notify Me page on our website. 
  2. Type in your email address and phone number under the ‘Your Profile Information’ section at the top of the page.
  3. Scroll down to the News Flash section, and find the News Flash labeled Public Works – Point Roberts Drainage Study. 
  4. Click on the envelope icon and/or the phone icon, depending on your preferences. The envelope icon will send you emails, and the phone icon will send you text messages. 
  5. Finally, you will get an email or text confirmation from Civic Plus (depending on which icon you click in Step 4). Click the link to confirm your subscription.  

*This list will not be actively sending updates until January 2024. However, you can still sign up to be ready when the updates begin!