LWVHA Water Quality/Climate Task Force Hosts Presentation
Barb Ferguson | Published on 3/3/2026
Recognizing problems is the first step in determining solutions. Ottawa County received funding to monitor water quality because problem sites had been identified in county watersheds. The five-year data collection project will inform decisions about solutions, resulting in plans to improve water quality throughout the county.
The Water Quality/Climate Task Force hosted an education presentationFebruary 18. Sarah Bowman (Ottawa Conservation District Watershed and Conservation Specialist), Cole Ockerse (ODC Network Environmental Programs Specialist), and Joe Bush (Ottawa County Water Resources Commissioner) explained the initiative and data that has been collected in the first year of the project. For example, water sampling identified levels of E. coli that are consistently higher than acceptable standards. Failing septic systems are likely a contributing source.
By collecting samples from all 20 watersheds in the county, sources of pollution can be identified and plans for remediation developed. Additionally, the data enables the county to make a strong case when applying for grants. The presentation was recorded and can be viewed on the LWVHA YouTube channel. Click here for a link to the presentation video.