Whatcom County Announces Multiple Public Health and Safety Updates

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  Whatcom County has announced several public health and safety updates for residentsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The Disposal of Toxics facility will close on September 16 for a planned closure“The Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics facility will be closed on Wednesday, September 16 for a planned closure.”
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  Residents with private water systems on Lake Samish are advised of increased microcystin levels from blue-green algae“If you get your drinking water directly from Lake Samish through your own private drinking water system, be aware that a recent surface water test found increased levels of microcystin, a cyanotoxin that can be produced by blue-green algae, in the lake.”
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  The County Council approved a $7.05 million child care subsidy program with AidKit“Whatcom County is taking the next step to reduce child care costs for Whatcom County families. Last night, the County Council approved a contract with AidKit to run the new Whatcom Kids First Child Care Subsidy Program.”
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  Two bats tested positive for rabies“This week, two bats in Whatcom County tested positive for rabies.”
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  A warning to avoid handling wild bats has been prompted“Never Touch or Handle Wild Bats — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:19:56 -0800 This week, two bats in Whatcom County tested positive for rabies. Bats are found all over the world and play a vital role in ecosystems. However, they can carry rabies, a deadly disease that is transmitted through bites or scratches.”
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  An air quality alert and heat advisory are in effect due to wildfire smoke and temperatures near 90 degrees“An Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory are in effect for Whatcom County. Wildfire smoke from Canada may reach unhealthy levels this week, and temperatures are expected to reach near 90 degrees in parts of the county Wednesday and Thursday.”
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  The Disposal of Toxics closure affects waste disposal services on September 16“The Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics facility will be closed on Wednesday, September 16 for a planned closure.”
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  Lake Samish water quality concerns require private well owners to monitor for cyanotoxinsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The child care program aims to reduce costs for families“Whatcom County is taking the next step to reduce child care costs for Whatcom County families.”
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  Rabies exposure risks from bats are highlighted as the County urges residents to avoid contact“This week, two bats in Whatcom County tested positive for rabies. Bats are found all over the world and play a vital role in ecosystems. However, they can carry rabies, a deadly disease that is transmitted through bites or scratches.”
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  Air quality alerts warn of smoke from Canadian wildfires and heat advisories for Wednesday and Thursday“An Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory are in effect for Whatcom County. Wildfire smoke from Canada may reach unhealthy levels this week, and temperatures are expected to reach near 90 degrees in parts of the county Wednesday and Thursday.”
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  Whatcom County Public Health and the County Council are the sources of these updatesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The facility closure, water advisory, subsidy program, bat warning, and air quality alert all have specific dates and actions for residents to takeNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Next steps include avoiding bat contactNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Next steps include monitoring water qualityNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Next steps include preparing for air quality concernsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.