PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT

Whatcom County Health Department was made aware of a sewage leak in the 2500 block of Lake Whatcom Boulevard that may pose a health risk to residents who withdraw their drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom. Households that do not have a disinfection treatment system are at an increased risk.

The Whatcom County Health Department strongly recommends that residents who draw their drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom drink bottled water or bring their water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming.  This recommendation applies to residences in the 2400 and 2500 blocks of Lake Whatcom Boulevard who draw drinking water directly from the lake. Untreated water should not be used for bathing, oral hygiene, food preparation or cleaning.

For households with a disinfection treatment system, it is recommended that the treatment system be inspected to ensure it is working properly.

Drinking water customers of Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District or the City of Bellingham are not affected and do not need to boil their water.