Lake Whatcom HIP
What is HIP?
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) is a voluntary program supported by the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Whatcom Conservation District that encourages Lake Whatcom watershed residents to install projects that treat stormwater runoff on their property.
HIP provides financial reimbursement, personalized assistance with project planning and permitting, and in some cases assistance with landscape design and construction. Some project examples include;
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Native landscaping
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Lake Whatcom rain gardens
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Underground pollution filters, and more.
These projects are specifically designed to remove phosphorus from runoff before it reaches the lake. High phosphorus levels cause harmful algae overgrowth in Lake Whatcom, resulting in many water quality issues.
Am I Eligible for HIP?
If you live in the Lake Whatcom watershed, visit the new website at
www.lakewhatcomHIP.org
to find out if your property is eligible for the HIP and learn about specific resources available to you.
For More Information
Please call Aneka Sweeney, HIP Coordinator with the Whatcom Conservation District at 360-526-2381 x10. or e-mail asweeney@whatcomcd.org with questions.
