The Environmental Resources Division's goal is to provide factual, balanced information about water resources in order to foster responsible action and stewardship.
The Environmental Resources Division has a scale model of the Lake Whatcom watershed available for use in public buildings, at public meetings and at local events and festivals. The Lake Whatcom diorama is about 12' x 8' with lifelike trees making it approximately 10' high. The centerpiece contains a model Lake Whatcom, which can be filled with water. A pump circulates the water, showing how it flows from Mirror Lake, down Anderson Creek and into the lake. Miniature land use activities surround the lake to educate viewers about the potential for pollution of our water source, as well as demonstrate activities individuals can do to protect water quality in the lake.
The Silver Beach Neighborhood Association has resurrected the Lake Whatcom Pledge Program originally launched in 1999 and made it even better. Volunteers from the Silver Beach Neighborhood visited to each house in their neighborhood to hang a doorhanger asking the residents to take the Pledge to protect the Lake Whatcom Reservoir.
Take the pledge online to commit to making changes in daily habits to protect the Lake. Residents taking the Pledge have their choice of several resources and recognition items including a Lake Whatcom Steward yard sign, decorative ceramic plaque or colorful suncatcher to hang in a window. For more information, please contact the Education Coordinator in the Public Works Department main office.
The City of Bellingham Public Works Department is responsible for providing clean, safe drinking water for nearly half the population of Whatcom County. The source of that water is Lake Whatcom. In addition, the City provides for collection and treatment of wastewater before discharging it into Bellingham Bay. The focus of the City's education program includes the following:
The City provides watershed curriculum materials free to teachers and students upon request. The City purchases materials from national organizations such as the American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation.
Curriculum materials:
The City provides urban streams curriculum materials free to teachers and students upon request.
Curriculum materials:
For grades 6 to adult the City offers stream kits for loan to teachers and groups interested in learning about stream ecology. Each kit contains equipment to test several water quality parameters in the field. Instruments are provided to measure temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and flow. An illustrated, waterproof procedure manual is included. The stream kits illustrate applications of science and chemistry techniques. The kits may be used as a field activity or as a demonstration tool.
The City also offers a kit to survey the insects in a stream. The kit includes Observascopes, kick nets, holding trays, forceps or tweezers, a plastic bucket and an aquatic insect guide. Students can determine the water quality of a stream by collecting and identifying the insects living there as well as by measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and flow.
The Environmental Resources Division offers a watershed/water treatment and wastewater treatment learning experience for fifth grade classes. The goal of this program is to show students the complete water system so they have a better understanding of the important connections between these elements and themselves. This year the program will include a new stormwater component. Sign up or get additional information.
For program information contact the Education Coordinator in the Public Works main office.
Water Whys is a Bellingham television series that focuses on informing and educating the public about local water issues. Water Whys is a series of 30-minute videos that focus on informing and educating the public about local water issues.
The videos are available for loan through the Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library Systems. For information about Water Whys contact Public Works main office.
How well does Bellingham's drinking water meet standards set by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act? A Consumer Confidence Report (PDF) is published by the Environmental Resources Division on an annual basis to report the results of water sampling and monitoring of Bellingham's drinking water.
How your gardening practices can help Salmon - A colorful and informative brochure is available at no charge. Learn about watering and fertilizing practices that ensure healthy and beautiful gardens while protecting water resources and Salmon habitat. The brochure lists native plants and trees especially suited for NW gardens and landscaping. How to be a Salmon Friendly Gardener is available at local nurseries and garden shops, or by contacting the Environmental Resources Division of the Department of Public Works at (360) 676-6961.
For additional information about any of the City of Bellingham's environmental education programs, to request materials or suggest opportunities for public education events, contact the Education Coordinator in the Public Works main office.
