ALLENDALE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 25, 2026) – A portion of the Grand River is no longer off-limits.
Last Thursday, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health announced that Ottawa Creek and the Grand River, from the 68th Avenue bridge north of Allendale to the M-231 span, should be avoided by the public. This is due to what was being called an accidental sewage discharge reported by Allendale Township’s public utilities department. The spillage first came into the tributary between 40th Avenue and the Grand River, and then flowed into the river itself.
The no-body contact advisory included any skin contact with the water in activities such as fishing, kayaking and canoeing, as well as touching the water’s edge with bare hands, handling equipment that has been in the water, and anything that may cause splashing. Health concerns included stomach and intestinal ailments, indicated by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as skin infections. Washing with soap and water was recommended for those who may have touched sewage-contaminated water, and any ingestion should have been treated by a healthcare provider.
Children and pets should also have been kept away from the water’s edge until the advisory was lifted, which came on Wednesday (Feb. 25) morning, as county health officials continued to monitor the water in the affected area until contamination numbers were back to safe levels.
This incident was also used by the OCDPH to advise residents of springtime health concerns, through the following statement:
“When spring arrives in West Michigan and you enjoy Ottawa County’s waterways, keep in mind that all surface water — creeks, rivers, and lakes — naturally contain bacteria and other germs that can cause illness. Taking a few simple precautions whenever you are near or in the water can help protect you and your family:
- Do not swallow surface water or get water in your mouth.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
- Take children on regular bathroom breaks, and make sure young children wear clean swim diapers.
- Do not swim when you are sick, as you can spread germs to others in the water.
- Avoid water that looks murky, smells bad, or appears polluted in any way.
- Avoid swimming right after heavy rainfall.
- Shower when you get home.
To report a health-related concern, visit miottawa.org/concern or call 616-393-5645.”
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