Lake Whatcom
- Elevation: 312 feet
- Locate with Google Maps
- Summary of Lake Whatcom Algal Research
Lake Whatcom is the primary drinking water source for the City of Bellingham and parts of Whatcom County. The City of Bellingham and Western Washington University have collaborated on investigations of the water quality in Lake Whatcom since the early 1960s. Beginning in the 1980s, a monitoring program was developed by the City and the Institute for Watershed Studies to provide long-term water quality data for the lake and its tributaries. In addition to serving the needs of the community, this project has provided the foundation for faculty and student research projects, M. S. theses, and professional publications.