Resource Library

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

Environmental Canine Services 2016

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

State Department of Health Reports

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: