watershed challenges

Learn more about some of the watershed challenges facing Lake Whatcom and its tributaries.

Stormwater:  Stormwater runoff is often the culprit in transporting nutrients, sediments, bacteria and other harmful substances into streams and Lake Whatcom leading to degradation of water quality.  The ability of land to absorb stormwater runoff and naturally filter impurities decreases as more development  occurs in the watershed.  Addressing stormwater runoff from properties and from the roads in the watershed before it reaches Lake Whatcom can help prevent further water quality degradation. 

Dissolved oxygen:  Low dissolved oxygen levels have been identified in the bottom waters of Lake Whatcom.  Low dissolved oxygen (or anoxic conditions) threatens fish and other aquatic life, can lead to the release of nutrients and metals from the lake’s sediments, and can lead to taste and odor issues.   

Nutrients:  Nutrients are essential for plant and animal growth, but in excess amounts they can have a negative affect on water quality.  Excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, lead to an increased rate of plant growth and lake eutrophication and can affect dissolved oxygen levels.

Bacteria:   Fecal coliform is an indicator species associated with waste from humans and other warm-blooded animals.  When this indicator bacteria is present in water samples, there is a potential for other pathogens to be present as well.

Sediments:  Sediments or soil particles can erode from streams banks, land disturbed by construction and forestry activities, or other areas of exposed soil.   In addition to creating cloudy or turbid waters, other pollutants are often attached to sediment particles.   

Metals:  Metals can be found naturally in our environment, but in concentrated quantities they can adversely affect water quality, be toxic to aquatic life, and cause human health concerns. 

Pesticides:  Pesticides (including herbicides and fungicides) applied to your lawns to rid them of unwanted pests or weeds can harm water quality.  These chemicals can be washed into our streams and the lake during rain events. 

Aquatic Invasive Species:  Aquatic invasive species are non-native aquatic plants, animals, and pathogens that thrive in new environments and can cause economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health.  These species can end up in our lakes and streams by attaching themselves to boats, recreational equipment, and field gear.

Hydrocarbons (gas, oil, grease):  Hydrocarbons are a form of organic pollutant that are made up of carbon-hydrogen bonds. Examples of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants include gasoline, oils, and grease. Hydrocarbon pollutants are a cause for concern because some can result in negative health effects in humans and wildlife.

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL): A TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still safely meet water quality standards.  A state must calculate a TMDL when a water body no longer meets water quality standards for one or more pollutants.  Goals of a TMDL study include determining pollutant load reduction targets and corresponding management actions required for the water body to safely meet water quality standards.