Whatcom Water Woes: What a Mess

October 9, 2025, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location: Bellingham Cruise Terminal

Although Whatcom County is a long way from the desert southwest, we have similar water problems in the summer. Because of climate change, streamflows throughout the Nooksack River watershed have been declining for years and are doing so at an accelerating rate. Also, the hotter, drier summers caused by climate change increase the need for irrigation. These opposing trends in supply and demand will lead to a water crisis if we don’t act soon.

This 1-session class taught by energy policy analyst and environmental activist Eric Hirst, will discuss these problems, possible solutions, the reasons so little has been done to date, and the possible effects of the Nooksack adjudication of water rights.
Cost is $32 for non-members, and $24 for members of the WWU Academy for Lifelong Learning. More info here. Watch preview video here.