No Body Contact Advisory Issued for Ottawa Creek and Portions of the Grand River Following Sewage Discharge
(OTTAWA COUNTY, MI)—The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) is asking the public to avoid water contact along Ottawa Creek and a portion of the Grand River following an accidental sewage discharge reported today by Allendale Charter Township Public Utilities.
A No Body Contact Advisory is in effect starting today for Ottawa Creek from 40th Avenue to the Grand River, and on the Grand River from the M-45 Bridge to the 68th Avenue Bridge. Residents along these areas should stay out of the water.
The discharge occurred on Ottawa Creek between 40th Avenue and the Grand River. Ottawa Creek flows into the Grand River approximately 1,800 feet north of the M-45 Bridge, between 40th Avenue and Linden Drive.
"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:
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Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
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Wash all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water.
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Watch for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or skin irritation.
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Contact your 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.
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