The Lake Whatcom watershed is the primary source of drinking water in Bellingham and is also used for wildlife habitat, recreation, and flood control. All of these demands compete for this limited resource. As a municipal water supplier, the City of Bellingham must comply with state water use efficiency requirements that ensure safe, reliable drinking water supplies far into the future.
Outdoor watering is highest during the dry summer months. This places an extra strain on the city's potable water supply, as average daily consumption often doubles during this time. Watering lawns and gardens accounts for 80-90% of the increase. Moreover, it is estimated that nearly half of this water is wasted due to evaporation loss, run-off and over-watering.
Voluntary Water Schedule
The City of Bellingham is implementing a voluntary outdoor watering schedule effective from June 15th through September 15th to help reduce the stress on our water supply during the warm, dry summer months.
Residents are asked to adhere to the following schedule:
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odd |
No Watering |
Even |
Odd |
Even |
Odd |
Even |
Rain Barrel Program
Collecting rainwater from your roof in rain barrels is a great way to conserve water, save money on your water bill, and reduce stormwater runoff.
Rain barrels are available for purchase from the city for $25. These 55-gallon rain barrels are prepared and sold with 1/2" hose bib/spigot attachment and a 3/4" overflow valve. For information on how to purchase a rain barrel, please email waterconservation@cob.org or contact the Public Works Department at 778-7700.
Lawn Watering
The average lawn requires only one inch of water per week. Consider
letting lawns go "gold" and dormant, watering less frequently, or watering
in the morning or evening to minimize water loss from evaporation.
Water/Wise Gardening
The City of Bellingham has set two primary goals in 2008 to direct water conservation efforts through 2014.
To accomplish these goals, the city plans to take the following measures:
Conserve water and you may save money on your water bill by installing a water meter. Participation in the City's Voluntary Metering Program (VMP) is FREE! As part of the City's on-going efforts to promote water conservation and meet the State's mandate that water meters be installed on all single-family residential water customer's homes by 2017, you can receive a meter and have it installed free of charge.
This opportunity enables residents to understand their water use patterns while potentially saving money. Use less, pay less: the #1 water-saving device is YOU! The average American uses 101 gallons of water per day in a non-conserving home. About 70 gallons of this water is used indoors, and 31 gallons is used for outdoor activities. To get an idea of what you might pay with a water meter, use the Estimated Water Consumption Calculator.
To request a water meter, complete a Voluntary Water Metering Program Application (PDF) and take it to either the Permit Center at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street or to Public Works Operations, 2221 Pacific Street.
Water
conservation begins with you! Paying attention to your water use and
changing those water-wasting habits does make
a difference.
Ways to Save
Seventy percent of daily household water is used inside to flush the toilet, do laundry, take a shower or use the sink.
H2Ouse -
Water Saver Home website
H2Ouse -
Water Footprint Calculator websiteAppliances, Fixtures, and Devices
Protect the environment and save water by using these EPA tested and
approved
water-efficient products and fixtures for your home.
Consumer
Reports - Greener Choices
is an information clearinghouse with green ratings of products and
appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
FREE Water Conservation Kits, one per household to Bellingham
residents. The Kit contents include a variety of water conservation
devices such as low-flow showerheads, kitchen and bathroom faucet
aerators, and toilet leak detection tablets. On average, installation of
these fixtures together can save up to 27 gallons of water per day in
households. Free kits are available by visiting the Finance Department
in City Hall at 210 Lottie Street, or Public Works Operations at 2221
Pacific Street. Repair Leaks
Leaky pipes, toilets and faucets are often the biggest water wasters in and around your home. On average, leaks account for nearly 11,000 gallons of water wasted per home, per year - enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
Fortunately, checking for leaks is simple, and repairs are usually minimal. While wet and audible leaks are the most common, sometimes leaks can be invisible and silent. check your meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If your meter reading has changed, there is a leak. Without a meter, its important to inspect each water fixture in and around your home. The links below provide some easy tips to help you detect and repair a leaky faucet or toilet.
American
Rainwater Catchment System Association
A non-profit organization that seeks to promote rainwater catchment across the U.S. through education, networking, and resource exchange
American Water Works Association
The authoritative resource on safe water, providing knowledge, information
and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and
beyond. AWWA advances public
health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of
the water community.
Whatcom Water Alliance
Whatcom County local governments understand that regular coordination,
collaboration and communication can result in improved management of local
and regional water resources. Partnering with other water systems is
viewed as a cost-effective way to develop and implement public education
while sharing technical information and expertise.
The goals of the Whatcom Water Alliance are:
To improve coordination, collaboration and communication among government water purveyors in Whatcom County in order to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in delivering water supply services.
To develop and promote common water conservation programs to enhance the effectiveness of public outreach campaigns in reaching the broadest possible audience.
More Information
Please contact the Operations Division of the Public Works Department if you would like more information about Water Conservation.
