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For Immediate Release | 3.5.25
Press contact: Water Resources Commissioner| 616-994-4526
 The 2025 Water Quality Forum will provide critical updates on the joint Ottawa County-Ottawa Conservation District Water Quality Monitoring Project, groundwater protection, stormwater infrastructure, aquatic invasive species, and provide updates on county drain management. Registration is free, but space is limited.
A state leader in water management, Ottawa County showcases commitment to enhancing quality and setting standards for excellence with free event on March 21
WEST OLIVE — Water truly is the elixir of life. Considering humans are approximately 70 percent H20, its importance cannot be understated. With water quality and quantity issues continuing to make headlines locally and nationally, Ottawa County is keeping the facts flowing at the 2025 Water Quality Forum.
Set for 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday, March 21 at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville, this forum will provide critical updates on the joint Ottawa County-Ottawa Conservation District Water Quality Monitoring Project, groundwater protection, stormwater infrastructure, aquatic invasive species, and provide updates on county drain management. Registration is free, but space is limited.
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"Ottawa County is committed to enhancing water quality and setting standards for excellence in water management."
Ottawa County Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush
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"Ottawa County is committed to enhancing water quality and setting standards for excellence in water management," said Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush. "In that spirit, we've expanded the scope of the Forum to include a broader range of water quality and environmental stewardship topics. For instance, we've combined with the Green Infrastructure Seminar, bringing a larger focus on sustainable practices and solutions, which can directly improve water quality and stormwater management."
Bush, the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact (DSI) and the Ottawa Conservation District are especially excited to share updates on the burgeoning Water Quality Monitoring Initiative. Less than a year ago, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners awarded the Ottawa Conservation District a $995,465 contract for a five-year collaborative project. With support from both the ODC Network, DSI, and the Water Resources Commissioner, the Conservation District is conducting water quality sampling, habitat surveys, and land surveys throughout all County watersheds through 2029.
Important updates on Ottawa County's Groundwater Sustainability Initiative will also be shared during the event. Water Resources Commissioner Bush will be joined by DSI Land Use Coordinator Matt Chappuies in presenting facts and steps being taken to address the County’s groundwater quality and quantity challenges.
"We're always pleased to have the public's ear and inform on the very real groundwater issues the County is facing," said Chappuies. "Events like this are invaluable to the mission of the initiative."
Other guests presenting on an array of environmental water quality issues include representatives from Republic Services and Waste Management, the Ottawa Conservation District, Ottawa County Parks, the Careerline Tech Center, Michigan Sea Grant, Tetra Tech, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University, and Port Sheldon Township. In addition to the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to check out interactive displays and chat with local vendors and organizations.
For those working in water- and environmental-related fields, the Forum also provides career-advancing opportunities in the form of up to five hours of Continuing Education (CEC) Credits.
"Besides providing general public information, it's a great opportunity for both young and experience professionals to advance their careers and network," said Bush of the CECs.
The Water Quality Form wouldn't be possible without support from event sponsors, including: Advance Drainage Systems, Arrowaste, Entel, ENG, ETNA, Exxel Engineering, Fishbeck, Fleis & Vandenbrink, Interface H2O, Lakeshore Environmental, LRE, Nederveld, Prein & Newhoff, PLM, Progressive Company, Spicer, Spalding Decker Engineering, Republic Services and Waste Management.
Bush, who has been involved in the Forum for a number of years, has enjoyed seeing the event grow and evolve.
"It's been great to see increased participation," said Bush. "It reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of environment, infrastructure, and community health. More people recognize the importance of groundwater and water quality issues and are supporting our commitment to keeping our water clean and safe."
The Water Quality Forum is open to all community members, including citizens, students, professionals, and local officials. Light breakfast will be provided, as well as a catered lunch. To view a full agenda and register for the event, follow this link. If you have questions, please contact Megan Boos at mboos@miottawa.org or call 616.994.4526.
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