WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County is streamlining its process for residents to report any sickness they get while enjoying the water.

Health and Community Services announced on Wednesday, Feb. 18 that it’s added water recreation-related illness to its reporting system.

The department’s Environmental Health Supervisor Josh Leinbach says the move will help the county identify emerging health concerns and address them more quickly.

Water recreation can include a wide range of activities at local beaches, lakes, public pools and hot tubs.

To report an illness, go to file a complaint on the Health and Community Services website and scroll down to select “illness from water recreation.”

Little Squalicum Park is currently the only beach in Whatcom County that is under a swimming advisory due to elevated levels of bacteria.

The county has previously issued advisories at both Wildcat Cove at Larrabee State Park and Taylor Dock at Boulevard Park over the past two summers.