ALLENDALE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 20, 2026) – A portion of the Grand River is off-limits for the time being.
On 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-45 span, should be avoided by the public. This is due to what is 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 includes 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. Children and pets should also be kept away from the water’s edge until the advisory is lifted.
Health concerns include stomach and intestinal ailments, indicated by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as skin infections. Washing with soap and water is recommended for those who may have touched sewage-contaminated water, and any ingestion should be treated by a healthcare provider.
No time frame as to how long this advisory will remain in effect has been established, as county health officials will be continuing to monitor the water in the affected area until contamination numbers are back to safe levels.
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