Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) was notified of an accidental wastewater discharge in the Lake Whatcom watershed on September 11, 2024, near Bloedel Donovan Park and Electric Avenue. The spill occurred during construction work on the Electric Avenue bridge repair project when an underground sewer line was inadvertently struck, leading to an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 gallons of sewage entering the lake. WCHCS is investigating the incident in coordination with the City of Bellingham.
At this time, the risk to direct draw users located away from the northwest side of the lake, who use treatment on their water systems, is low. However, the public health and environmental risk for water recreation near the northwest side of Lake Whatcom and through Whatcom Creek remains high.
The beach at Bloedel Donovan Park is temporarily closed as a precaution. The public, including pets, should avoid water contact in the area. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
WCHCS thanks the City of Bellingham for their quick response and remains ready to provide assistance.
Read more from the City of Bellingham: https://bit.ly/3XR1TU5
