Resource Library

Whatcom Clean Water Program

The Whatcom Clean Water Program (WCWP) is a partnership of local, state, tribal, and federal organizations working to reduce fecal bacteria in Whatcom County surface waters and restore shellfish growing areas.

WCWP Overview Brochure

Water Quality Monitoring Protocols & Plans

Whatcom County Water Quality Monitoring: Fecal Coliform Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Standard Operating Procedures: Direct Grab Sample Collection with Sample Bottle for Fecal Coliform Analysis

Guidelines for Landowners

Many landowners have indicated an interest in collecting their own water quality samples. These guidelines (PDF) provide background information and step-by-step directions for choosing sampling sites, collecting samples, delivering samples to a certified laboratory, and interpreting your lab results.

Source Tracking

Nooksack River Watershed Microbial Source Tracking (MST) Study Q&A

Environmental Canine Services 2016

Addendum to Drayton Harbor Watershed Fecal Coliform TMDL and Phase 3 Microbial Source Tracking: Semiahmoo Bay 2010

Abstract: California Creek and Drayton Harbor Microbial Source Tracking Pilot Study 2008

California Creek and Drayton Harbor Microbial Source Tracking Pilot Study 2008

California Creek and Drayton Harbor Microbial Source Tracking Pilot Study Monitoring Plan 2006

Peace Portal Dye Test 2003

Marine Drive Dye Test 2003

Annual Water Quality Reports

Water quality data is compiled and reviewed on an annual basis to determine current status and priority areas for water quality improvement programs.

2011 Report
2012 Report
2013 Report
2014 Report
2015 Report
2017 Report

State Department of Health Reports

For more information or questions about the DOH Shellfish program and reports, click here for contact information.

Drayton Harbor Sanitary Survey 2010

Portage Bay Sanitary Survey 2003

Portage Bay Addendum to the 2009 Sanitary Survey

Landowner Tips

Small Farm Composting Guide

The guide is written for use by landowners with small ‘hobby’ farms in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Jefferson and Clallam counties and contains information about using composting as an option for managing livestock waste. The guide has information on why composting may be a good alternative for waste management, how to begin composting, and how best to manage your compost pile. The booklet also contains several compost bin designs and information on siting your bin.

Best Management Practice Factsheets

We use the term “best management practices” or “BMPs” when referring to various methods for preventing or reducing potential pollution that could result from an agricultural activity. The term originated from rules and regulation in Section 208 of the federal Clean Water Act. Click on the factsheets below to learn more: