Water Distribution

The Public Works Department maintains a water distribution system of approximately 431 miles of watermain lines ranging in size from 66 inches down to 2 inches and composed of concrete, ductile iron, cast iron, steel, brass, fiberglass, PVC and AC.  Storage within the distribution system is provided by 13 reservoirs with a total capacity of 29,375,000 gallons. Elevation within the distribution system range from sea level to approximately 780 feet. Twelve pump stations with a total of 51 pumps are utilized to maintain system pressure in 12 service zones. There are approximately 27,000 active water services within the city water distribution system.

Water division staff are available 24/7 and respond to thousands of service requests every year including:

  • Utility damage repairs- watermain breaks and leak repairs.
  • Water quality complaints (discolored, odor and taste)
  • Water pressure complaints
  • Utility locating service for all public utilities
  • Leak investigations
  • Emergency and non-emergency shut off and turn on of water services.

To make a service request, please use SeeClickFix for non-urgent issues, or call (360) 778-7700 for urgent issues.

Bellingham produces some of the cleanest drinking water in the nation. Our water crews ensure that quality to your tap by performing maintenance on the distribution system such as bi-annual water system flushing. All fire hydrants and blow-offs are flushed in the spring and fall. Watermain flushing cleans the pipes of mineral deposits that build up naturally inside pipe walls. If the pipes are not periodically flushed, this build-up can reduce the capacity and the efficiency of the City’s water distribution system. The city’s water quality lab provides the maintenance crews with high quality data they need to make informed decisions to ensure the continued safety of our drinking water supply.

Annual Watermain Flushing – 2024

The City will begin its annual watermain flushing on Monday, April 1 and will continue through May. Watermain flushing cleans the pipes of mineral deposits that build up naturally inside pipe walls, and keep our distribution system flowing efficiently. Water remains safe to use, however some residents may notice some discolored water, or some reduced pressure while flushing is underway. If your water is discolored, run a cold water tap for a few minutes to clear the lines.  

Our crews conduct the flushing process as efficiently as possible, beginning in the northwest corner of Bellingham and proceeding southeast. Flushing is done on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The water used during flushing is dechlorinated before it is discharged into the storm drainage system.  

In 2012, the City started the city-wide project of installing water meters as required by State law. Installation was completed in April 2017.

Cross-connection control is a vital part of protecting our drinking water quality as the water passes through the distribution system to all the buildings in the city. A cross-connection, or the opportunity for substances other than drinking water to enter the plumbing,  can threaten the quality of our drinking water in the distribution system.  The City of Bellingham requires that all cross-connections or potential cross-connections have a backflow preventer installed and tested annually.

For more information, please go to Cross-Connection Control.

Call (360) 778-7700 and we will dispatch maintenance staff to shut off the water. We can shut off the water at the meter. We have someone on standby 24 hours a day who can do this.

There is a charge for each shut-off and turn-on request that will be added to your utility bill, including additional charges for after-hours work. Only City staff and approved, licensed plumbers can perform watermain shut-offs/ turn-ons.

While the City of Bellingham has proactively removed lead pipes from our service lines that connect our water mains to private property, there may still be lead pipes present in some homes, particularly those built prior to 1986 when lead pipes were banned in construction. 

More information can be found on our Understanding Lead and Drinking Water webpage.

More Information

For questions about water maintenance, email askpw@cob.org or call 360-778-7700.

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