FAQs
How do I become a bonded contractor with the District?
If you have been hired to work or perform construction on a side sewer line in the District, you will need to fill out an application to be a Bonded Contractor. Even if you are bonded with other nearby providers (for example, the City of Bellingham), you will need to become bonded specifically with Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District to perform work in our District. For information and instructions on becoming bonded, please visit our Bonded Contractor page.
How do I purchase a permit?
Permits are issued by appointment only.
Complete your permit application packet and return to the Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District office. When the permit is ready, a District representative will contact you to set up your permit intake and payment appointment. For more information and the permitting application, please visit our Water and Sewer Permits page.
Can you recommend a plumber?
We are not able to recommend specific plumbers to our customers, however, there are many qualified plumbers in Bellingham. If you are looking for a contractor to install a new water or sewer connection, please see our information about Bonded Contractors.
What is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a potable (i.e., drinkable) water line and any pipe, vessel, or machine containing a non-potable fluid, solid, or gas where the non-potable substance can enter the potable water system by backflow.
For full information about the District’s Cross Connection Control Program and Backflow Assembly Testing Requirements, please click below.