Wastewater
View a sewer line inspection video on YouTube. This shows how tree roots can infiltrate the sewer pipes.
Fats, Oils & Grease
What is FOG? Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are an expensive problem for sewer systems. Cooking grease coats pipelines similar to the way that fatty foods clog human arteries. The grease clings to the inside of the pipe-lines, eventually causing complete blockage. By doing your part at home, you can help to keep the District sewer system running…
Birch Bay Wastewater Treatment System
FUNCTION To collect wastewater from individual users and transport collected wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). LATERAL/SIDE SEWER LINE A lateral/side sewer line carries wastewater from an individual’s home to the main sewer line. MAIN SEWER LINEA main sewer line carries the flow of wastewater from many lateral sewers.PUMP STATIONSPump stations provide the energy…
What is Sewer Safe?
What to Flush? The Three P’s The toilet is only meant to flush the three P’s – Pee, Poop and Paper. Human waste and toilet paper should be the only thing going down the toilet. Unfortunately, the toilet has turned into a trash can and many items from sanitary products, cleaning wipes to medications are…
Water Wisely Watering Schedule
The District, along with other Cities and Districts in Whatcom County, is implementing a voluntary watering schedule from June 1st through September 15th. During that time, residents with odd numbered street addresses are being asked to limit watering to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The watering days for even numbered street addresses are Tuesdays, Thursdays and…
Whatcom Water Alliance
Recognizing the growing importance of effective management of precious water resources, cities and water districts in Whatcom County have formed a regional water conservation group, the Whatcom Water Alliance. The goals of the Alliance are to promote water conservation by coordinating public information efforts and related activities. Alliance Members agree to support and promote the…
Harvesting the Rain
Rain barrels are a form of rainwater harvesting, which is the capture, diversion and storage of rainwater for landscape irrigation. Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, save money on your water bill and reduce stormwater run-off. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that rain barrels can save up to 1,300…
High Efficiency Toilets
Residential Water Use by Toilets Toilets typically are the largest source of water use in the home, accounting for 30 percent of indoor residential water consumption. Toilets are also major sources of wasted water due to leaks and/or inefficiency. Fortunately, the water efficiency of toilets has been increasing and recent advancements have allowed toilets to use…
Water Awareness Poster Contest
Each year the District and city of Blaine host a Water Awareness Poster Contest for the fourth grade classrooms at Blaine Elementary. Students are asked to create a poster that relates to the theme of the poster contest and gives one important message about water conservation. Past Themes: 2008 – Be a Water Hero 2009…
School Conservation Program
Each year the District’s Conservation Program Coordinator visits the fourth grade classrooms of Blaine Elementary to educate the students about their drinking water supply and water conservation. Students learn about groundwater, pollution and water conservation by building their own edible earth parfait out of candy and ice cream. Topics Covered in Classroom: How much water…