The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District  was created in response to community concerns about water quality, flooding, and loss of aquatic habitat in the Birch Bay Watershed. BBWARM’s stormwater program focuses on protecting water quality and reducing stormwater impacts. Explore our website to learn more about what BBWARM is doing and how you can get involved. 

RATE STUDY

The BBWARM District service charge has remained unchanged since its inception in 2009; however, operating and capital costs have risen by 50-62% due to inflation. The urgent need for capital improvement projects in Birch Bay continues to grow, driven by factors such as aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and climate change. Responding to heightened community demands, BBWARM, with the assistance of a financial consultant, completed a comprehensive rate study to assess the necessity of a service charge increase. 

Community input was gathered at public meetings during the rate study process, and a fee increase proposal was submitted and approved by the Whatcom County Council in June 2024. The annual fee is determined by multiplying the number of Equivalent Service Units (ESUs) by the rate per ESU. An ESU is 4,000 square feet of impervious area, which is typically measured via aerial photography. Single-family residences are charged 1 ESU. The new rate per ESU, outlined below, will gradually increase over a four-year period:

• 2025: $107.55 per ESU (3-79% increase, depending on a property’s current rate)

• 2026: $136.59 per ESU (27% increase)

• 2027: $163.90 per ESU (20% increase)

• 2028: $190.13 per ESU (16% increase)

• 2029 and beyond: Rates to be adjusted annually by the average Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, with a minimum increase of 2.5% annually.

You can reference the new code for more information on the rate increase.

Final Rate Study Report

CONSERVATION STORY

There is no better place to spend retirement than Birch Bay for Sherry and Charlie Donald. However, their new yard left a lot to be desired. “I was interested in creating a native landscape but had a flat lot with nothing but lawn. [I knew I] would need to learn a lot and get some help.” Sherry signed up for the Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program (NNLP) and got the guidance and resources she had been looking for, including a planting plan, site prep, mulch and native plants, free of charge! 

As a result, 2,981 square feet of Sherry’s lawn has been converted into a beautiful native plant landscape. “After the native plants get established, there will be much less maintenance. Also, I want the property to feel like it belongs in the Pacific Northwest and supports the local birds, bees and other critters. I’ll have time to sit in nature in my own backyard, content knowing I am leaving a better place for future generations.” Read more about their experience in their Conservation Story.

Are you interested in participating in NNLP? Visit the program website to learn more and complete the online interest form.

NNLP is a partnership between Whatcom County, Whatcom Conservation District, and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District.

REPORT STORMWATER ISSUES OR POLLUTION

Have you ever seen a stormwater-related issue and didn’t know what to do about it? Whatcom County Public Works has a quick and easy way to report problems. This form is sent directly to Whatcom County staff who can help address the issues.  

The link to the form can be found at the top of the Public Works website. 

Use the “Flooding and Drainage Problems” category on this form to report signs of stormwater infrastructure issues such as: 

Use the “Water Quality - pollution and spills” category on this form to report pollution-related issues like: