ALLENDALE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Mar. 24, 2026) – For the second time in as many months, a portion of the Grand River near Allendale has been declared off-limits due to a sewage discharge.
On Monday, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health issued a No Body Contact Advisory for a portion of that river, from Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) to 68th Avenue, as well as a portion of Ottawa Creek from LMD to the Grand River. This was due to another “accidental” incident from Allendale Township Public Utilities that occurred last Thursday, wasn’t reported to the county until four days later, and is “actively being resolved,” according to health department officials.
The advisory cautions that any direct skin contact with the bacteria-contaminated water could lead to various illnesses. Those who may have been in contact with the water there should avoid touching the face, eyes, nose, or mouth, and to wash all exposed skin with soap and water. Watch for symptoms of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, or skin irritation, and any ingestion should be treated by a healthcare provider.
Water samples from the affected area will be tested daily, with the advisory lifted when bacteria counts fall below the maximum safe standard.
A similar discharge from the ATPU in February led to a similar no body contact advisory for a stretch of the river from 68th Avenue to M-231.
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