With some extraordinary low tides expected this summer in Whatcom County and an influx of people finding new ways to get outdoors during the pandemic, our beaches need a little extra TLC — and we all have a part to play. Keep your eyes peeled for RE Sources out at Larrabee and Birch Bay State Parks this summer through our new Beach Stewards program in partnership with the Marine Resources Committee. We’ll be talking about everything from tide pools to delicate ocean critters, and even (gasp!) poop (yep, you heard us). Dates and times coming soon on where we’ll be this summer, so stay tuned. We’d love to bump into you!
If you don’t run into RE Sources on the beach, but see some fishy pollution (pun intended), you can easily report it with the Water Reporter app. Stopping pollution is a vital, easy, and dare we say FUN way to protect the Salish Sea. All it takes is a keen eye and a smartphone — you can keep water clean while out walking your dog or strolling to work.
Three easy steps to stop pollution anytime, anywhere:
- Download the Water Reporter app below and create an account
- Search for the “North Sound Waterkeeper” group and hit Join
- Snap a picture of the possible pollution source, add a description and post it. Our North Sound Waterkeeper team will be on top of it, alerting agencies who can clean it up. Not sure if it’s pollution? No problem! When in doubt, report. See our guide to spotting common pollution. And check the Videos and Downloads tab of this page for video guides.
Download on iPhone Download on Android
Not able to use the app? Instead, report pollution with a call or text the Pollution Prevention Hotline: (360) 220-0556
In 2021, our Pollution Prevention Specialist Kirsten McDade will lead several “pollution tours,” showing community members common places to watch for pollution and how to report it. Make sure you’re receiving our e-newsletters to be notified about the next one! When in doubt, report it! We’ll get back to every report within 24 hours on weekdays. This helps us not only respond to pollution, but also track it in the app and look for any patterns.
Call, text, or email Kirsten, and hopefully we can find a solution to the pollution! Call (360) 220-0556 or email: KirstenM@re-sources.org.
For the Water Reporter section of this page: This product is funded through a Public Participation Grant from the Department of Ecology.