Birch Bay Water and Sewer District plans major infrastructure investments in 2025

The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District’s board of commissioners has approved an $11.86 million budget for 2025, with significant investments planned for water and sewer infrastructure improvements. The budget includes a 7 percent rate increase for customers, which district officials say remains below recent inflation rates.

The 2025 budget allocates $5.83 million for capital improvement projects, with a major focus on constructing a new 170,000-gallon water reservoir at Point Whitehorn. This reservoir will serve as an emergency water supply in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes.

“We’re planning for both current needs and future growth,” says Sandi McMillan, general manager. “As the largest urban growth area in Whatcom County with over 8,000 connections, we need to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with development while maintaining affordable rates for our residents.”

The district plans several critical infrastructure projects in 2025, including:

• Replacing approximately 24 aging fire hydrants to improve emergency response capabilities

• Reducing inflow and infiltration issues in the sewer system during heavy rain events

• Recoating a clarifier at the wastewater treatment facility

• Upgrading electrical systems at sewer lift stations

For residential customers, the basic bi-monthly water and sewer bill will increase from $88.95 to $95.40. An average household using 1,200 cubic feet of water over 60 days will see their bill rise from $147.35 to $157.80.

McMillan notes that despite the increase, Birch Bay’s water and sewer rates remain among the lowest in Whatcom County. The district has implemented several measures to help customers manage costs, including contacting customers with delinquent accounts to connect them with financial assistance resources.

Looking ahead, the district’s 10-year plan identifies approximately $40 million in needed improvements to the wastewater treatment plant and water distribution system. The 2025 budget represents the first step in this longer-term infrastructure investment strategy.

The district has maintained a stable financial position, with projected reserves of $9.62 million by the end of 2025, up from $8.35 million at the end of 2024. This increase in reserves comes despite the substantial capital investments planned for the year.

In other district news, Sandi McMillan, who for the last 11 years has served as district finance director, has been promoted to general manager to replace Dan Eisses who is retiring. She will be paid $175,000 annually excluding benefits. Commissioners approved her contract in December.

In board elections for 2025, Jeff Benner was appointed president, Don Montfort as secretary and Fred Reid as vice president and assistant secretary. This year will be Montfort’s 31st on the board, while Benner and Reid enter their eighth and sixth year, respectively.