Lake Whatcom Infrastructure Project Receives More Than $2 Million in FEMA Funding

Lake Whatcom is known for its waterfront homes, recreation, and natural beauty, but there is also a tremendous amount of infrastructure behind the scenes that supports the communities surrounding the lake.

One of those systems is about to receive a significant upgrade.

More than $2 million in federal funding has been approved for a Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District project designed to improve the resiliency of the local water system during a major earthquake.

FEMA Funding Coming to Lake Whatcom

The funding comes through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and will go toward the replacement of the Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District's Division 22-1 water reservoir.

According to reporting from My Bellingham Now, the federal grant will cover approximately 75% of the project's construction costs.

The existing reservoir dates back to 1971, and the project is expected to include both a replacement reservoir and integration with Washington's ShakeAlert earthquake early-warning system.

The goal is fairly straightforward: reduce the potential for extended water-service disruptions following a significant earthquake.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2028.

Why Infrastructure Matters Around Lake Whatcom

Infrastructure probably isn't the first thing most people think about when they picture living on Lake Whatcom.

Usually it's boating, swimming, views, trails, privacy, or being able to get out on the water after work.

But infrastructure is an important part of what makes communities around the lake function over the long term.

Lake Whatcom is also Bellingham's drinking-water source, which means there has been substantial public investment over the years in water quality, stormwater treatment, watershed protection, utilities, and other infrastructure surrounding the lake.

This latest project is specifically focused on making the water system more resilient to earthquakes.

For current homeowners, that's good news. For prospective buyers, it's another reminder that buying around Lake Whatcom involves understanding more than simply the house itself.

Buying a Home Around Lake Whatcom Is Different

I've worked with buyers and sellers around Lake Whatcom for years, and one thing I've learned is that seemingly small differences between properties can matter quite a bit.

Depending on where a home is located, buyers may need to consider things like:

• Water and sewer service

• Septic systems

• Shoreline and dock regulations

• Watershed restrictions

• Stormwater requirements

• Sun exposure

• Waterfront access and usability

• Road access

• Neighborhood infrastructure

Two homes that look relatively similar online can offer very different ownership experiences.

That's especially true with waterfront property.

A beautiful view is important, but so are things like the quality of the shoreline, depth of the water, condition and permitting of a dock, afternoon sun exposure, privacy, and access to Bellingham.

Those nuances are a big part of why Lake Whatcom functions as its own real estate micro-market.

Continued Investment in Lake Whatcom

The FEMA funding is also part of a broader pattern of public investment occurring around Lake Whatcom.

The City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and local utility districts continue to invest in projects related to water quality, stormwater treatment, watershed protection, and infrastructure.

For example, the City of Bellingham has been retrofitting existing stormwater facilities around the lake with technology designed to remove more phosphorus from runoff before it reaches Lake Whatcom.

These aren't necessarily projects most residents will notice on a daily basis, but collectively they matter to the long-term health and resiliency of the lake and the communities surrounding it.

Thinking About Buying or Selling on Lake Whatcom?

Lake Whatcom remains one of the most unique residential markets in Whatcom County.

If you're considering buying or selling a home on the lake, it helps to work with someone who understands the differences between Northshore, Silver Beach, Geneva, Lake Whatcom Boulevard, Sudden Valley, South Bay, and the other smaller pockets surrounding the lake.

You can learn more about Lake Whatcom real estate and working with a Lake Whatcom Realtor, including current waterfront homes for sale and additional resources for Lake Whatcom buyers and sellers.

I'll continue covering local projects, regulations, market trends, and other developments that affect Lake Whatcom homeowners and real estate.

Briddick Webb is a Managing Broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County specializing in Lake Whatcom, Bellingham, luxury, and waterfront real estate.