By: Eric Hirst

Nooksack Adjudication vs. State Water Law?
By Eric Hirst · Fri Jun 14, 2024
Eric Hirst gives us a brief and clear explanation of the water adjudication process that is beginning now in Whatcom County
2 min read · 3 comments
You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure
By Eric Hirst · Wed Feb 2, 2022
Irrigation water usage in Whatcom County is estimated, and Eric puts forward reasons why we need meters to accurately measure usage.
2 min read
Would Adjudication Resolve Nooksack River Water Issues?
By Eric Hirst · Tue May 19, 2020
Having certainty about one’s water rights would allow users to negotiate with greater confidence than they now have.
3 min read
Water Resource Planning: Prepare - Or Take Our Chances?
By Eric Hirst · Thu Feb 6, 2020
Water industry planning differs greatly from electric industry planning and here is the reason.
5 min read · 1 comment
An Engineer Looks at Washington State Water Law
By Eric Hirst · Fri May 25, 2018
Since 1917, Washington’s water laws have become increasingly complicated and counterproductive. Eric explains the major problems and suggests an alternative for a sustainable future.
11 min read · 5 comments
Once Again, Short-Term Interests Beat Long-Term Solutions
By Eric Hirst · Mon Jan 22, 2018
Eric’s perspective on the state wide new rural water fix legislation, ESSB 6091. Governor Inslee signed it last Friday, and it went into effect immediately.
2 min read
Whatcom Water Resources: A Major Problem and a Reasonable Solution
By Eric Hirst · Mon Dec 18, 2017
Irrigation, the use of huge field sprinklers, is the big user of unpermitted water in our county. Not family households. Eric presents a solution.
1 min read · 10 comments
Most Cost-Effective Way to Save Water for Homes
By Eric Hirst · Mon Jul 31, 2017
A study on how home water usage management can target those using the most water. This may be a step towards a solution of our perceived county water supply and usage challenges.
1 min read · 7 comments
Water for Whatcom Irrigation
By Eric Hirst · Tue May 2, 2017
Rural Whatcom County farmers use a lot of water for irrigating their fields. How much is used? Eric Hirst tells us what is known and not known.
1 min read · 10 comments
Myths About Rural Residential Wells
By Eric Hirst · Mon Mar 27, 2017
The state supreme court ‘Hirst Decision’ has a lot of false information swirling in our county. Eric Hirst takes on seven myths and tries to clarify the issues.
4 min read · 5 comments
Future Prospects for Whatcom County Water Supply
By Eric Hirst · Sat Feb 11, 2017
Whatcom County has plenty of water in winter, when people need it least. But in summer, when demand for water is at its peak, it is often in short supply.
1 min read · 2 comments
Whatcom County Water Use: When and Why
By Eric Hirst · Sat Jan 7, 2017
Eric Hirst writes an overview of seasonal water use in Whatcom County - and supports his views with a well researched report that he also wrote.
2 min read · 7 comments
Interim Ordinance on Rural Water Wells is Essential
By Eric Hirst · Sat Dec 3, 2016
Eric Hirst responds to Elisabeth Britt’s article about the legal and physical issues of our rural Whatcom County water wells for homes, farms and businesses.
3 min read · 3 comments
Whatcom Farmers and Eric Hirst Dialog
By Eric Hirst · Sat Dec 19, 2015
Statement by Whatcom Family Farmers on “Eric Hirst and his water ideas” and Hirst’s Reply
12 min read · 1 comment
Whatcom Co.: 90 Million Gallons of Water a Day
By Eric Hirst · Wed Jul 22, 2015
Eric Hirst provides us all with a well researched report on Whatcom County water issues - rights, Lake Whatcom, ground water and more.
8 min read · 10 comments
Eric Hirst Resigns Greenways Committee
By Eric Hirst · Tue Nov 9, 2010
Eric explains his resignation from the Greenways Advisory Committee and lists his concerns.
4 min read · 1 comment
Thriving Beyond Sustainability - a book review
By Eric Hirst · Tue Sep 7, 2010
Eric Hirst reviews a new book by Andres R. Edwards, Thriving Beyond Sustainability: Pathworks to a Resillient Society
3 min read
Book Review:  Whole Earth Discipline
By Eric Hirst · Fri Jul 16, 2010
Eric Hirst reviews this October 2009 book by Stewart Brand of Whole Earth Catalog fame. Stewart is critical of several mainstream environmental stances.
4 min read · 1 comment
Eric Hirst

Eric Hirst

Citizen Journalist · Writing Since Jul 23, 2015
Eric Hirst has a Ph.D. in engineering from Stanford University, spent 30 years as an energy policy analyst at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and retired to Bellingham 18 years ago. He is a local environmental activist.

Total number of comments: 20

Recent Comments by Eric Hirst

Tue Oct 7, 2025

I agree fully with Tip. I've known Michael since he first ran for city council (the only race he lost) and am always impressed with how smart, knowledgeable, hard-working, and dedicated Michael is. He really cares about those of us who are fortunate enough to live in Bellingham. 

Re-Elect Michael Lilliquist

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