Water System Plan Update

The Survey is now closed. Please continue to follow along with the process- the Draft Plan will be ready for review this fall.

Thank you!

Water system plans help cities make lots of important decisions, such as planning for population growth, protecting our wildlife, and using water sustainably. The goal of a water system plan is to make sure we understand current and future demands on the system so we can ensure everyone has reliable access to clean, safe drinking water now and in the future.

Make sure your values are reflected in the plan

There are several ways to engage with the City during development of the Water System Plan:

Complete the survey to tell us why water quality is important to you.
Request a briefing for your community group or organization.
Share your questions, concerns, and comments by emailing us or submitting a question at the bottom of this Engage Bellingham page

Read the engagement report here.

The Survey is now closed. Please continue to follow along with the process- the Draft Plan will be ready for review this fall.

Thank you!

Make sure your values are reflected in the plan

There are several ways to engage with the City during development of the Water System Plan:

Complete the survey to tell us why water quality is important to you.
Request a briefing for your community group or organization.
Share your questions, concerns, and comments by emailing us or submitting a question at the bottom of this Engage Bellingham page

Read the engagement report here.

Bellingham's water system

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A water system ensures that people and businesses in a city have access to clean water. A water system includes a water source, treatment facilities, and pipes that bring water to homes and businesses. You’re using your city’s water system whenever you turn on your faucet to fill a water glass, take a bath, or water your lawn.
The City of Bellingham owns and manages its water system, which includes residential, commercial, industrial and government water uses. The system collects water from Lake Whatcom, treats the water at the Water Treatment Plant, and brings the water through pipes to homes, businesses, and facilities across Bellingham.
Why are we updating our Water System Plan?

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Bellingham’s Water System Plan will help the city make smart choices about how we use, manage, and share our area’s water resources. The updated plan will ensure Bellingham’s water system continues to provide safe and reliable water service for customers in the coming years.
The Washington Department of Health (DOH) requires cities to update their Water System Plans every 10 years. This helps cities plan for growth, make sure their water systems are functioning properly, and keeps communities healthy.
What you can expect from the plan update

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The Water System Plan will identify what the City needs to do to align with today’s standards for water quality and quantity. The updated plan may recommend actions for the City to take to keep our water system strong and resilient. Actions could include:
- Projects such as repairing or replacing pipes that are old or leaking.
- Programs such as education opportunities for customers to increase understanding of the importance of protecting water quality and using water resources responsibly.
- Operation and maintenance like increased meter maintenance to ensure accurate readings.
- Policies or regulations such as funding strategies to support projects, programs, operations, and maintenance.
Investments in our water system mean it will keep our system strong and resilient for years to come. We want to avoid any surprises when it comes to any changes, especially regarding paying your utility bill. We will share updates and information about potential changes before we move forward with the plan.
What else we're up to

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Our Water System Plan update is one of several City efforts to enhance water quality and create a healthier Bellingham. Visit the pages below to learn more about other current or upcoming plans and projects.