Corrected | Ottawa County Plans 15th Annual Water Quality Forum 💧

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 10/12/2020 09:47 AM EDT

October 12, 2020

Ottawa County plans 15th Annual Water Quality Forum

Register now at miOttawa.org for the Ottawa County Water Quality Forum scheduled for November 2.

Fifteen years ago, Ottawa County leaders asked themselves, "What would happen if Ottawa County became a place known for poor water quality?" At the very first forum in 2006, leaders discussed the environmental, public health and economic impacts of water quality, plus the state of the Grand River. Keeping water quality at the forefront of leaders' minds has led to important research and critical accomplishments. Forum participants pushed for infrastructure changes to improve the health of the Grand River; they commissioned studies of E. Coli sources in rivers and beaches; they advanced bans on phosphorus fertilizers; they mobilized to prevent the dredging of the Grand River; they provided education and tools to improve the health of watersheds; and they spearheaded an ongoing study of groundwater quantity and quality. While the topics at the event have evolved over time, the significance of these forums has not changed. With its miles of rivers, streams and Lake Michigan shoreline, coupled with the rapid population growth of the area, water is pivotal to Ottawa's quality of life.

Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Ottawa County Water Quality Forum planned for November 2, held in a virtual format.

Presentation topics include:

Wastewater Testing for COVID-19 - Ottawa County Department of Public Health & Hope College
Groundwater Sustainability Updates - Ottawa County Planning and Performance Improvement and Allendale Christian School
Green Infrastructure to Improve Water Quality - The Watershed Center
Great Lakes Advisory Board - Grand Valley State University
Lake Macatawa - Grand Valley State University
Invasive Plants in Inland Lakes - Michigan Sea Grant-Michigan State University
Bio-Solids - Holland Board of Public Works
PFAS - Ottawa County Department of Public Health
Clean Marinas - Ottawa County Parks
Lakeshore Cleanup - Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and Ottawa County Parks

Space is limited to the first 300 registrants and closes on October 30. After registering, participants will receive instructions on how to join the webinar. Register now.

Media Contacts:

Shannon Felgner | Ottawa County Communications Manager
sfelgner@miottawa.org | 616-738-4672

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

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