Wiser Lake HAB Project

Algae Bloom at Wiser Lake. 

Wiser lake is located three miles south of Lynden. It is a 116-acre, shallow lake with a maximum depth of 10 feet. The Wiser Lake watershed is primarily used for agriculture and residential development. 

Recreational Opportunities

• Boating
• Fishing
• Lake access

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) maintains a public boat launch on the north side of the lake. WDFW has more information about fishing opportunities on Wiser Lake.

Harmful Algae Blooms on Wiser Lake

Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) has been collecting cyanobacteria samples on Wiser Lake since the early 2000’s, in response to public concerns about algae blooms. The sampling results show a consistent presence of toxin concentrations that were above the Washington State Department of Health recreational guidance values. 

To address this issue, WCHCS received a grant from the Department of Ecology in 2022 to study Wiser Lake and find the source of nutrient inputs. This involves collecting monitoring data on water and sediment quality, waterfowl use, and stream hydrology. Monitoring will last from May 2023 through April 2024. The next phase of the project will be data analysis and developing a set of recommendations.

Wiser Lake Project FAQs

Wiser Lake Study Update

We completed the first phase of the Wiser Lake study, which began in May 2023. During this year-long data collection phase, we compiled monthly:

• Water quality parameters.
• Waterfowl counts.
• Sediment core data.
• Stream inflow/outflow information.

Entering phase two, we have hired Aquatic Insight LLC using a Washington State Department of Ecology grant. Their team has certified lake managers and environmental engineers with over 20 years of experience. Aquatic Insight will analyze last year’s data and develop a Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan (LCMP). This plan will include possible actions to:

• Reduce nutrient input into the lake.
• Sequester nutrients to prevent the growth of toxic algae.

Working with Aquatic Insight, we will review the results and ask for plan feedback. Our feedback efforts will include a month-long public comment period and public meetings. The month-long public comment period will go live in late February 2025. Public meeting dates are still in discussion. Watch for meeting invites over the next few months.

Although our timeline for LCMP completion is tentative, we aim to finalize it on March 28, 2025. Once the LCMP is complete, we will communicate remediation options with the community.

Thank you for your continued interest in Wiser Lake water quality. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Local Partner Groups & Agencies

This work would not be possible without local partner groups and agencies:

• Whatcom County Public Works
• Re-Sources
• Washington State Department of Health
• Washington State Department of Ecology
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Audubon Society
• WWU Institute of Watershed Studies
• Multiple laboratories (for sample analysis)

Watershed Map

Sign Up for Wiser Lake Updates

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1. Go the Wiser Lake Updates Notify Me link and enter your e-mail address and/or phone number at the top of the page. 
2. To set notification method preferences, click on the envelope (email notification) or the phone (text notification) icon. 
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Resources

• Biology and Ecology of Harmful Algal Blooms (PDF)
• HABs and Wiser Lake (PDF)