Waters
Marine and Fresh
Our waters, fresh and marine, are a fragile resource essential for all island life. Unlike the mainland, we get no benefit from a larger watershed. Water arrives here only as rain, averaging about 34 inches annually. Much of our rainwater flows off the island, and only a small fraction seeps down to recharge the island’s aquifers.
During the summer months some wells have gone dry, and others have had saltwater intrude. Contamination by naturally occurring arsenic can also be a problem. Septic systems must be properly maintained to protect water quality.
Because water ignores property lines, island-friendly living requires an understanding that our choices (whether to cut or plant trees, use or avoid herbicides, put toxic materials down the drain, etc.) influence the quantity and quality of water far beyond individual property lines. The following web sites can provide information on how to protect our fragile water and shoreline resources while building, gardening and living on Lummi Island.
Resources:
Lummi Island Watershed Enhancement Committee
On-site Sewage Systems (Whatcom County Health Department). Official information about septic system requirements, inspections, homeowner classes, etc.
Managing Our Water (WA State Dept. of Ecology). Overview of information on groundwater protection, wells, conservation, and much more.