WHO WE ARE
Water Planning Matters (WPM)* is a non-partisan, unincorporated group of volunteers in Whatcom County, Washington. WPM advocates for water resource protection and responsible development. We protect public health and water resources by focusing on city and county planning department compliance with state and federal laws. We promote active public participation, government transparency and the use of the best available science and management practices.
Problems We Help Solve: Regulatory shortcuts by planning departments threaten public health, shellfish, and salmon habitats.
Why it Matters: WPM dives deep into development proposals, analyzing records to challenge premature approvals, outdated stormwater standards and projects that ignore cumulative impacts on aquifers, wetlands, and downstream communities. We challenge bias in reports, studies and government communications on water planning matters. Using field evidence, public records analysis, legal and technical reviews, we empower citizens with actionable educational materials the community can use and trust without cost.
Positive Change: Since 2022, WPM investigations have protected Cain Creek, Dakota Creek, Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay, and Semiahmoo Bay from urban pollution. We secured protections under the Critical Areas Ordinance for Semiahmoo Spit salmon and seal habitat, and appealed the 490-unit Avista at Birch Point Planned Unit Development, in order to protect Birch Bay Village from flooding. As guardians of the public process under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Growth Management Act (GMA) and Clean Water Act (CWA), Water Planning Matters reports governmental misconduct, and collaborates with the Washington Department of Ecology on enforcement.
*We began as Blaine Water Coalition in 2023 and became WPM in 2025 when filing a SEPA Appeal to broaden community participation.
WHAT WE DO
Protecting your water resources
Our Goals
Our goal is to give citizens tools for civic engagement and accountability. Our mission is to foster responsible growth that preserves our water for generations while boosting economic vitality through sustainable practices for our watersheds, aquifers, streams, creeks and ocean waters. Our work isn't just advocacy—it's proven action for cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, ethical public official conduct and empowered communities.
Join us and make a difference with real local change for the better.
* WPM summarizes public documents and filed pleadings. Items labeled ‘alleged’ or ‘potential’ are unresolved unless an agency or legal entity has issued a finding. Readers are encouraged to review the linked source documents under News