BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A public health alert has been issued for residents who draw their drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom.

The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District says they received a report of an overflowing manhole on Lake Louise Road at about 7:45 Wednesday morning, July 19th.

Inspections confirmed that the overflow contained wastewater and reached ditches that flow to Beaver Creek, which is a tributary of Lake Whatcom.

District staff stopped the sewage overflow about an hour after it started.

They are not sure of how much wastewater was released yet.

Residents who get their water from Lake Whatcom are strongly recommended bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking.

Households with a disinfection treatment system are being advised to ensure that it is working properly.

For more information about drinking water for homes affected, residents can call the County Health Department at 360-778-6000.