The City will rehabilitate the Raw Water Intake pipe (Project EW241) located in Lake Whatcom. This submerged pipe, constructed from wood staves and secured with carbon steel bands, plays a critical role in supplying water to the Water Treatment Plant. As part of the project, crews will reinforce the pipe by adding new stainless steel bands, helping to ensure a reliable water supply for many years to come.
Construction Impacts
This project is not expected to cause any construction impacts. All work will take place below the surface of Lake Whatcom, where construction divers will reinforce the outside of the existing pipe. Contractors may station a tender boat and barge near the intake for an extended period during construction. Water service and operations at the Water Treatment Plant will not be affected.
Project Status
The project is currently in the design and permitting phase. Dive crews conducted a condition assessment and collected field data in December 2023.
Vicinity Map
Project Background
The City of Bellingham installed the wood stave intake pipe in the late 1930s. Since then, the City has conducted regular inspections and minor rehabilitation work over the past several decades. Crews completed condition assessments in 2014 and again in 2024. The 2025 Water System Plan identified the need to rehabilitate the pipe as a capital project to ensure continued reliability.
After more than 85 years underwater, the carbon steel bands show signs of corrosion. However, evaluations confirm that the wood staves remain in functional condition. To protect the integrity of this critical intake pipe and extend its service life, crews will install new stainless steel bands.
While this project focuses on maintaining the existing intake pipe, the City is also evaluating and planning for a redundant intake system to draw water from Lake Whatcom. This major capital project will require extensive planning over the next decade, with implementation anticipated around 2035.
Project Timeline
- Project design start date: October 2024
- Contract not yet awarded
- Expected construction start date: Summer 2026
- Expected construction end date: Early 2027
Funding
The estimated total cost for design, permitting, and construction is $4.5 million. Funding for this project comes from the City’s Water Fund, supported by City utility rates.
Resources
- April 2024 Wood Stave Intake Condition Assessment (PDF)
- November 2014 Intake Condition Assessment Report (PDF)
- City of Bellingham Water System Plan
Contact
General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: Email pwmedia@cob.org
Project Engineer
Stephen Day, Plants Engineer
Phone: (360) 778-7944
Email: smday@cob.org
