Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) grew by about 1 percent in 2022 to over 8,000 connections. Notable developments in BBWSD include Horizon at Semiahmoo and Whisper Lake. The board of commissioners approved Whisper Lake’s developer extension in January. Horizon development took off in June.
Staffing milestones this year included the retirement of sewer foreman Michael Trueblood after 14 years at the district. Shane Hess, with 22 years, was promoted to sewer foreman. Field inspector Jason Hagin started in April with over 20 years of construction and municipal inspection experience.
Washington’s Covid-19 utility moratorium ended in September 2021. BBWSD postponed disconnections for nonpayment until March 2022, offering payment plans and multiple community resources.
On May 24, BBWSD welcomed state senator Simon Sefzik, state representative Alicia Rule, and the Washington State Public Works Board for a panel on topics including rate affordability, infrastructure projects and safe sewer treatment.
In June, BBWSD again received a “Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance” award for 2021 from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Only four plants in Whatcom County received this exceptional award.
In October, BBWSD finished a budgeted three-year, $2 million capital project upgrading all water meters to automated meter reading. This was completed under budget with attractive financing of approximately 1.5 annual percentage rate over 20 years. The upgraded radio-read network has many benefits including more accurate use and providing flow data sooner, which enhances leak detection.
On December 8, the commissioners approved the 2023 budget including water main replacements on Holeman and Shintaffer roads, a capital project to identify and reduce inflow and infiltration impacting the wastewater treatment facility, and an additional water reservoir on Point Whitehorn. The reservoir will be financed by a loan competitively awarded by the Washington State Public Works Board.
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