Lake Samish Plans

Lake Samish Comprehensive Stormwater Plan

  1. Lake Samish Comprehensive Stormwater Plan
  2. Executive Summary (PDF)
  3. Appendix A-1 to A-7 (PDF)
  4. Appendix B Summary Public Comments (PDF)
  5. Appendix C - CIP Details Sheet (PDF)
  6. SEPA Checklist (PDF)
Lake Samish Watershed

The Importance of Lake Samish

The Lake Samish basin is an 8,020 acre watershed located in the southwest corner of Whatcom County, Washington.

  • The basin drains to Lake Samish, an 826-acre freshwater lake.
  • Basin is a sub-basin of the Samish River Basin which drains to Samish Bay.
  • Provides many recreational opportunities.
  • The primary drinking water source for 95% of area residents, most drawing directly from the lake. 

Decline In Water Quality 

Monitoring studies revealed a decline in the lake water quality. Contributing factors are: sediment, external nutrient loading from development, and land use practices within the basin. There is no public water treatment and distribution system within the basin. Deteriorating water quality could eventually present a public health and safety issue.