Ottawa County Issues Fresh Water Warning as Allendale Sewage Spill Affects Ottawa Creek and Grand River

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Ottawa County health officials are warning residents to avoid contact with water in Ottawa Creek and a portion of the Grand River in Allendale due to a new accidental sewage discharge, the second such incident in roughly two months.

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health issued a No Body Contact Advisory effective Monday, March 23, covering Ottawa Creek from 40th Avenue to the Grand River, and the Grand River from Lake Michigan Drive to 68th Avenue, the county said.

The advisory area sits just north of Grand Valley State University, impacting a stretch of water that has now been contaminated three times in two months.

What Residents Need to Know

The accidental sewage discharge was first reported by Allendale Charter Township Public Utilities on Monday, though officials say it likely began as early as Thursday, March 19.

A similar incident occurred in late February, triggering a comparable no body contact advisory for the same area.

Health officials are advising the public to avoid any direct skin contact with the water. This includes activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, touching the water or water's edge with bare hands, and handling any equipment or gear — including bait — that has been in the water.

Splashing is also a concern, officials say. Residents are urged to keep children and pets away from the water's edge until the advisory is lifted.

Health Risks of Sewage-Contaminated Water

Sewage-contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria and viruses that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin infections, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health said.

Anyone who has already been in contact with the affected water should take the following precautions:

• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth
• Wash all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water
• Watch for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or skin irritation
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop and inform them of possible exposure to sewage-contaminated water

The county said it will lift the advisory once water sample results confirm the water is safe.

Repeated Issues in Same Area

This is the second time in roughly two months that the same stretch of water has been affected.

A similar sewage discharge occurred in February and triggered a no body contact advisory from February 19 to 25.

The February incident was also reported by Allendale Charter Township Public Utilities, the same entity that reported the current discharge.

Where the Advisory Applies

The No Body Contact Advisory covers specific areas:

• Ottawa Creek from 40th Avenue to the Grand River
• The Grand River from Lake Michigan Drive to 68th Avenue

The creek flows into the Grand River approximately 1,800 feet north of the M-45 Bridge, between 40th Avenue and Linden Drive.

What 'Body Contact' Means

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health defines "body contact" as any direct skin contact with the water. This includes:

• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Touching the water or water's edge with bare hands
• Handling equipment or gear (including bait) that has been in the water
• Any activity that may cause splashing

Staying Safe

The county's health department advises anyone who has recently been in contact with Ottawa Creek or the affected stretch of the Grand River between the M-45 Bridge and 68th Avenue to take immediate action.

Residents with health-related concerns can contact Ottawa County at miottawa.org/concern or by calling 616-393-5645.

The advisory will remain in place until water sample results confirm the water is safe. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health will issue an update when that happens.