What will it take to get phosphorous pollution out of Lake Whatcom?

It will take years to restore Lake Whatcom to what it was, just as it took years for the problem to develop.

“The lake is still showing signs of residential runoff. It’s going to take time. It’s going to take more time than people want to give it. It’s the kind of patience that is very difficult,” said Robin Matthews, the lead scientist on the team that has been conducting an annual study of the lake’s water since the late 1980s, as commissioned by the city.