Water Distribution

The Public Works Department maintains a water distribution system of approximately 436 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 – 2026

Crews will be flushing the watermains throughout the month of April. The annual watermain flushing project cleans the pipes of mineral deposits that build up naturally inside pipe walls, and keeps 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. 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.

We offer bulk water stations to customers for use on construction sites, hydro excavation, or as a portable water source for pressure washing, irrigation, dust control and more. This water is non-potable.

For more information, including an application, please visit our Bulk Water webpage.

There are various pressure zones within our community that are influenced by elevation. Certain areas of our water distribution system depend on gravity to deliver water from reservoirs. Consequently, some parts of the city may experience water pressure levels higher than recommended for residential plumbing, which may necessitate the installation of a pressure regulating valve. This valve is a spring-loaded device designed to control pressure on the household side.

Protecting the residential plumbing by maintaining pressure regulating valves is the responsibility of the property owner. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your water pressure, please contact Public Works at (360) 778-7700 or askpw@cob.org.

More Information

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

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