The City is committed to protecting water quality and takes stormwater pollution seriously. We investigate all reports of stormwater pollution that we receive.
What is stormwater pollution?
Stormwater is rainwater that falls to the ground and then flows into waterways such as lakes, creeks, rivers, and bays. Stormwater pollution starts at our homes, yards, streets, businesses, parks, trails, and other surfaces. Chemical weed killers, pesticides, pet waste, chicken manure, vehicle oil, tire dust, litter, soap, and more can all become stormwater pollution when picked up by rainwater and carried into our waterways.
A common pollutant found in urban areas is fecal coliform bacteria. Bacteria can come from a variety of sources, including pet waste, manure, wildlife droppings, and yard debris. Contact with fecal-contaminated waters can result in illness.
How does the City monitor and investigate stormwater pollution?
City staff investigate all reports of potential stormwater pollution to try to identify the source(s) of the pollution. When we receive a report, we do a site visit to examine the reported pollution and see if we can find an obvious source. If we can’t identify a source, we may take the following steps to investigate further:
- Sampling and testing: We collect field samples from a variety of locations near the reported pollution and test these samples at our accredited laboratory. If we are searching for a source of bacteria pollution, we monitor the weather closely so that we can try to collect samples 48-72 hours following rainfall. This is because warm weather can cause more bacteria to grow within a stormwater system, making it challenging to identify a pollution source. If weather conditions are not ideal for sampling, we adjust our sampling strategy to collect the best data that we can.
- Infrastructure review: We review our sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure by using cameras to scan the City’s sewer and stormwater pipes. We also do field inspections, review construction drawings, and do smoke and dye tests to search for potential cross contamination between our sewer and stormwater systems.
- Business outreach: We review business registrations within the drainage basin where the pollution is located to see if there are businesses or industries that may be contributing pollution. Our Pollution Prevention Technicians visit businesses to review their practices and work cooperatively on resolving any sources of pollution. We provide resources and information to businesses to help them reduce pollution.
- Permit review: We review permit activity within the drainage basin where the pollution is located to see if there are projects that may have had recent work that could have resulted in polluted runoff. We review inspection records and photos and perform site visits as needed.
- Monthly water quality testing: We monitor water quality in our local streams through our Urban Streams Monitoring Program. This program has been conducting monthly water quality tests since 1990, making it one of the longest-standing trends programs in the region.
In the case of fecal coliform bacteria, it is often difficult to determine the source(s) because it is generally a non-point source pollution. In other words, bacteria often come from many smaller sources – like pets and wildlife – across a large area, rather than from a single source. This is why it’s important to properly dispose of pet waste at home and on walks.
Responding to reports of elevated bacteria at marine outfalls
In May 2024, we received reports of elevated fecal coliform bacteria counts at several marine stormwater outfalls where our stormwater pipes enter Bellingham Bay. We looked for a pollution source by following the steps above, including collecting samples from many different locations along our stormwater pipes upstream of the outfalls. After thorough testing, we were unable to identify a point source of this pollution. Unfortunately, this is commonly the case when it comes to fecal coliform pollution entering our waterways since it often comes from many small sources. We will continue to do more testing in the fall when there is more rain.
How does the City address sources of stormwater pollution?
The City has a variety of existing programs and projects focused on reducing stormwater pollution and improving water quality:
- Pollution response: We respond to all reports of potential pollution that we receive through our Stormwater Hotline or SeeClickFix to investigate the source.
- Stormwater filter projects: We build stormwater filtering systems that mimic nature’s ability to filter pollutants and release water slowly. Learn about some of these systems through our self-guided Stormwater Discovery Tours.
- Business support: We provide site visits, technical support, and stormwater facility inspections through our Pollution Prevention Program to help businesses reduce pollution and comply with stormwater regulations.
- Stormwater system maintenance: We routinely maintain our stormwater system and inspect private stormwater facilities to comply with our stormwater permits. Learn more about our stormwater maintenance.
- Litter and pollution clean-up: We regularly sweep City streets to reduce the amount of harmful vehicle pollutants from entering our storm drains and waterways. We remove litter, debris, and waste from public property.
- Pet waste education: Our pet waste campaign educates Bellingham residents about the importance of cleaning up pet waste on trails and at home.
- Lake Whatcom protection: We connect landowners living in the Lake Whatcom watershed with technical and financial assistance to complete voluntary projects that protect water quality through our Homeowner Incentive Program.
- Tire dust: We are active participants in statewide efforts to monitor and research tire dust pollution, which is known to be harmful to fish.
- Tree planting: We plant thousands of trees each year in Bellingham. Trees act like a sponge to filter stormwater pollution and reduce water temperature. We also provide free trees and tree coupons to Bellingham residents.
- Forest protection: We also protect and restore natural areas through our Habitat Restoration Program and Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program.
- Natural yard care education: We produce and distribute educational materials about managing weeds naturally to reduce the amount of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals that end up in our waterways.
How you can help reduce pollution
You can help reduce the amount of pollution entering our waterways by:
- Immediately picking up and disposing of pet waste in the trash at home and on trails
- Using natural yard care techniques by avoiding using chemical weed killers
- Regularly checking your vehicle for car leaks
- Washing your vehicle at a commercial car wash instead of in a driveway
- Replacing lawns and paved areas with native vegetation
- Planting trees in your backyard
- Joining a volunteer work party to plant trees in local parks and trails
Learn about more ways you can help keep our water clean.
Reporting stormwater pollution
If you see stormwater pollution, please let us know by calling the Stormwater Hotline at 360-778-7979 or reporting it online using SeeClickFix.
Together, we can protect the health of our waterways!
