Drayton Harbor Bacteria TMDL
Drayton Harbor and the streams that flow into it have high levels of fecal bacteria. The harbor and several streams in the watershed are on Washington’s impaired waters list, called the 303(d) list.
We're 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 have developed a draft Drayton Harbor Water Quality Improvement Plan known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The TMDL plan will help partners clean up the Drayton Harbor watershed to make it safe for swimming and fishing.
Drayton Harbor is in Whatcom County at the northwest corner of Washington, just south of the U.S.-Canada border. The watershed drains mostly lowland areas below 100 feet in elevation. Dakota Creek and California Creek are the two major freshwater streams. Cain Creek is a smaller stream that flows into Semiahmoo Bay next to the harbor.
The harbor supports beneficial commercial, recreational, and Tribal shellfish harvesting uses. The land in the watershed mainly includes agriculture, followed by forest, urban and residential development, and wetlands.
Water quality issues
Fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are fecal bacteria found in human and animal waste. Their presence means sewage or manure is getting into a water body. High levels of this bacteria pollution can cause illness in people and animals that come into contact with the water. It can also lead to the closing of shellfish beds to harvest.
Bacteria can enter the water from:
- Improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, including spills
- Illegal dumping of waste
- Failing septic systems
- Livestock, manure applications, pets, and wildlife
In 2008, with input from local partners, we began developing the TMDL to address bacteria pollution in Drayton Harbor. In 2012, the Whatcom Clean Water Program partnership formed to lead pollution control efforts with the local community. This work has improved water quality and reopened shellfish areas that had been closed due to bacteria pollution. However, continuing pollution identification and correction work will be necessary to protect and maintain shellfish growing resources.
Our draft plan
We took formal comments from Aug. 21 until Sept. 26, 2025 on the draft Drayton Harbor Bacteria TMDL. You can now view comments we recieved. This cleanup plan addresses high bacteria levels in Drayton Harbor's marine water and freshwater tributary streams. The draft TMDL includes updated field data, defines each partner’s role, and sets pollution reduction targets to meet water quality standards.
Informational meetings
We held two informational meetings on Aug. 28 and Sept. 3. At these meetings, we explained how we developed the TMDL, the pollution reduction targets for each source, and the actions needed to correct the pollution. We also answered questions from participants. You can review the PowerPoint presentation we shared at the meetings.
Next steps
Now that the public comment period is closed, we are reviewing and drafting responses to all comments. The final responses will be included as an appendix to the report. We plan to submit the final report to EPA by the end of 2025. When finalized and put into action, the plan will help make the harbor safe for shellfish harvesting, swimming, and other recreation.
How you can help
We're working with many partners to reduce bacteria pollution in the watershed. But everyone can help improve water quality.
You can make a difference by:
- Picking up and throwing away pet waste
- Having your septic system inspected regularly to prevent pollution and costly repairs
- Changing livestock management to prevent contaminated runoff
- Improving how you manage stormwater on your property
- Using toilets when spending time in or near the water
- Protecting existing plants along streams and planting new ones to filter runoff
Contact information
James Kardouni
TMDL Lead
james.kardouni@ecy.wa.gov
360-319-2494