Drayton Harbor Bacteria TMDL
Drayton Harbor and its freshwater tributaries have high levels of fecal bacteria. The harbor and several tributaries are listed on the impaired water bodies list, known as the 303(d) list. We are partnering with local groups to address the sources of bacteria pollution and make the water safe again. Using the information provided by project partners about the sources of pollution and improvements needed, we are developing a Drayton Harbor Water Quality Improvement Report known as a Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL. The TMDL report will help partners clean up the Drayton Harbor watershed to make it safe for swiming and fishing.
Drayton Harbor is in Whatcom County at the northwest corner of Washington State, just south of the US-Canadian border. The watershed mostly drains lowland areas below 100 feet to sea level. The two major tributaries to the harbor are Dakota Creek and California Creek. Cain Creek is another smaller tributary that flows into Semiahmoo Bay adjacent to the harbor. The harbor is used for commercial, recreational, and Tribal shellfish harvesting. Agriculture is the primary land cover, followed by forest, urban and residential development, and wetlands.
Water quality issues
Fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria common in human and animal waste. It indicates that sewage or manure is entering a water body. Bacteria increases the risk of people getting sick from playing or working in the water and can lead to closing shellfish beds for harvest. Bacteria can get into water from untreated or partially treated discharges from wastewater treatment plants, from improperly functioning septic systems, and from livestock, pets, and wildlife. Pollution identification and correction work has led to improvements; however, additional work is needed to meet state standards. Continued pollution identification and correction will be necessary to protect and maintain shellfish growing resources.
What are we doing
In 2008, with input from local partners, we started developing a TMDL for bacteria pollution in Drayton Harbor. In 2012, the Whatcom Clean Water Program partnership was established to lead pollution control efforts and work with the local communities. This work resulted in water quality improvements and reopening shellfish growing areas that had been closed from the bacteria pollution. Since then, we continue working with partners to develop the draft TMDL and Implementation plan. The draft TMDL will include updated field data, establishes roles and responsibilities for each project partner, and sets pollution targets. The goal is for the Drayton Harbor watershed to be at or below the bacteria levels set in the TMDL by doing the pollution correction activities that are laid out in the draft Implementation plan.
We are planning to have the draft TMDL and Implementation plan out for public comment by summer 2025.
Why this matters
High levels of bacteria pollution in streams and lakes are a risk for disease to humans and animals that are exposed to contaminated water. The state is required to protect the “most sensitive” beneficial uses found in water bodies, which include the ability to wade, swim, boat, or harvest shellfish.
How can you help?
We're working with a wide range of partners to address the bacteria pollution in the watershed. However, everyone can help improve water quality.
Some key actions that anyone can take to help reduce bacteria include:
- Properly collect, bag, and trash pet waste
- Use toilets when recreating in the water
- Have septic systems inspected regularly to avoid pollution and costly repairs
- Improve stormwater management practices
- Modify livestock management practices to eliminate contaminated runoff
- Protect existing streamside vegetation, and plant new vegetation where possible to help filter contaminated runoff
Contact information
James Kardouni
Water Quality Lead
james.kardouni@ecy.wa.gov
360-319-2494