Sewage discharge prompts new no-body contact advisory for Ottawa Creek, part of river
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health is asking the public to avoid water contact along Ottawa Creek and a portion of the Grand River following a new accidental sewage discharge reported March 23 by Allendale Charter Township Public Utilities.
OTTAWA COUNTY — The Ottawa County Department of Public Health is asking the public to avoid water contact along Ottawa Creek and a portion of the Grand River following a new accidental sewage discharge reported March 23 by Allendale Charter Township Public Utilities.
A "no-body contact advisory" is in effect for Ottawa Creek from Lake Michigan Drive to the Grand River, and on the Grand River from Lake Michigan Drive to 68th Avenue. Residents in these areas should stay out of the water.
The discharge began on Thursday, March 19, and is actively being resolved. Affected areas include Ottawa Creek between 40th and 48th Avenues north of Lake Michigan Drive, and the Grand River between Lake Michigan Drive and 68th Avenue. Ottawa Creek flows into the Grand River approximately 1,800 feet north of the M-45 Bridge, between 40th Avenue and Linden Drive.
OCDPH was informed of the discharge on March 23.
"Body contact" includes any direct skin contact with the water, such as 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, and any activity that may cause splashing. Residents should also keep children and pets away from the water's edge until the advisory is lifted.
Sewage-contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that may cause stomach and intestinal illness, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as skin infections. 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 should take the following steps:
- Avoid touching the 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 a healthcare provider if symptoms develop and inform them of possible exposure to sewage-contaminated water.
This advisory will remain in effect until water samples have been collected and tested and results confirm it is safe to resume water contact. OCDPH will issue an update when it is safe to have contact with the water again.
To report a health-related concern, visit miottawa.org/concern or call 616 393-5645.
— Submitted by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
