Lake Whatcom (from the Lummi word for "loud water") is a lake located near Bellingham, Washington, United States, forming part of the city's eastern border, and is about 14 miles (23 km) long. Over 85,000 Whatcom County residents rely on Lake Whatcom for drinking water. Lake Whatcom is also a popular recreational site, used for boating, swimming, fishing, and other activities. Lake Whatcom empties into Bellingham Bay by way of Whatcom Creek.