BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A public health alert has been issued for residents who get drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that staff at Camp Firwood reported their sewer lift station overflowed at around 7 p.m. on Monday, July 7.

Some of the sewage made its way into a stormwater drain that flows directly into Lake Whatcom.

Crews from the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District installed a temporary pump late last night. A full repair of the sewer lift station began this morning.

Only those who draw their water without a disinfection system directly from Lake Whatcom are being advised to boil their water for at least a minute before consuming it.

Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer customers and City of Bellingham utility customers do not need to boil water before use.