Surrounded by Great Lakes, most Michiganders would assume that no one in Michigan could face a water shortage. However, Ottawa County is facing that challenge due to a combination of unique geology, increasing urban development demand, and increasing agriculutral needs.

In Ottawa County, and in much of Michigan, municipal water drawn from the Great Lakes is only available to those near a city. In rural areas, drinking water is sourced from aquifers — pockets of saturated soil 50 to 350 feet below ground that are not connected to Lake Michigan.

Locally, we have two types of aquifers: glacial (surface) and bedrock (deep). Glacial aquifers are the preferred well source; but when glacial sources aren’t available, bedrock aquifers are tapped. Aquifers are normally replenished with rainwater, however, in many areas of Ottawa County, rainwater is blocked from reaching the bedrock aquifer due to a geological clay layer that stops water from infiltrating deep down.

Click here to learn more about Ottawa County’s unique geology and hydrology.

Learn more about Ottawa County’s groundwater issues from the video above. This video was coordinated through the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact. The original source can be found at groundwater.miottawa.org/.

Why does it matter that the bedrock aquifer can’t be replenished? Well as demands rise and more wells are dug, we’ve learned that the water in the bedrock aquifer isn’t being replenished as quickly as it’s being removed. In some instances, wells have run dry, leaving homes stranded without enough water. To make matters worse, our bedrock aquifer also has naturally occuring chloride deposits, which causes the water being pulled to become salty as water levels go down. This can damage plumbing, crops, and hurt overall water quality. To protect our groundwater from further decline, we need the community’s help to reduce stress on our bedrock aquifer.

What can you do to conserve groundwater at home?

 

  1.  Smart Irrigation: You may have a sprinkler system on a timer that runs rain or shine. By installing devices like rain sensors or a weather-based irrigation controller, thousands of gallons can be saved per year.
  2. Rain Barrels:  Catch rain runoff to water your landscaping. The barrel can be connected directly to an irrigation system, or soaker hoses can be attached.
  3. Consider replacing your grass lawn: Slow-growing groundcovers such as buffalo grass or clover can provide a green space that needs less water and mowing.
  4. Shrink your lawn: Consider planting turf only where it’s needed in your lawn and replace the rest with native gardens or buffers.
  5. Plant native gardens: Native plants suited to West Michigan’s climate need less water, enrich the soil, and provide habitat for local pollinators.
    1. Learn more about our annual plant & tree sales and other native plant resources.
  6. Want to know what your water footprint looks like? Calculate how much water you currently use at home using the Water Footprint Calculator and then learn more tips on how to reduce your consumption.
  7. Check out some more water-saving tips in the following online resources:
    Effective Strategies for Water Conservation at Home (Michigan Saves)
    Smart watering for lawns (MSU Extension)
    Water-saving strategies for home lawns (University of Minnesota Extension)

    What is the Ottawa Conservation District doing to help conserve groundwater?

    OCD collaborates with a variety of partners throughout Ottawa County to help address groundwater concerns. Additionally, we have a number of resources available for farmers and landowners to implement best management practices.

    1. Ottawa County Groundwater Sustainability Initiative: OCD partners with the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact and their Groundwater Sustainability Initiative to collaboratively address local groundwater issues. We share and promote resources to Ottawa County residents and we sit on the Ottawa County Groundwater Board to provide agricultural technical advisory assistance.
    2. Ottawa County Connected County Park: OCD partners with the Ottawa County Parks & Recrecation and their Connected County Park program to empower individuals to take simple steps to heal local landscapes through native landscapes. This program helps provide technical and educaitonal asssitance to Ottawa County residents on ways to incorporate native landscaping into your yard and residents with native landscapes can get a free sign promoting their habitat!  OCD  helps  promote this program and collaborates with Park staff on native plant technical asssistance and collaborates on educaitonal workshops.
    3. Irrigation Uniformity Assistance: Through our Farmland & Water Quality Conservation Initaitive, OCD can conduct FREE irrigation uniformatiy testing for farmers who then become eligible to receive financial assistance for necesary upgrades to make their irrigation system more efficient.
    4. Native Plants, Shrubs, and Trees: Purchase native tree & shrub seedlings and flowering plants through our annual sales to reduce your lawn, add more native landscaping to your property, and reduce irrigation needs!
    5. Native Seed Mixes: Purchase native seed mixes through our District Store year round to fit your unique landscape, increase pollinator and wildlife habitat, and once again reduce irrigation needs!
    6. Rain Barrel Resources: OCD hosts occasional Rain Barrel workshops and sells rainbarrels year round!

     

    Other Resources Available

    It’ll take our entire community to conserve groundwater resources for future generations. As a result, there are many organizations in Ottawa County working together to provide needed education and resources.

     

    1. Ottawa County “Be Water Wise” Campaign: The Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact has been taking the lead in local groundwater conservation. Check out their new “Be Water Wise” campaign website to learn more about local groundwater issues and resources available through the County.
    2. Ottawa County “Connected County Park” Program: The Connected County Park initiative is a regional movement created by Ottawa County Parks to create healthier, more resilient landscapes by bridging the gap between people and nature. It empowers individuals to take simple, meaningful actions that restore ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity across private properties. By offering practical tools, native plants, design guidance, hands-on training, and more, the program removes barriers and makes stewardship accessible to all.
    3. Western Michigan University – Michigan Geological Survey: MGS receives state funding  and other sources to map the subsurface of Michigan to better understand our soils and groundwater resources. This work will enhance the economic development and ensure resources are analyzed, protected, and used wisely throughout West Michigan.
    4. Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds Rainscaping Program: Treat your stormwater runoff naturally and encourage glacial aquifer recharge with a rain garden! Schedule a FREE residential site visit with LGROW for assistance.
    5. ODC Network – Conservation Services: The ODC Network restores degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and provides a plethora of ecological consulting services, including those aroud native landscaping and green stormwater managmenet.
    6. Grand Valley State University – Groundswell Stewardship Initative: Groundswell is a coalition of community partners and educators creating opportunties for hands-on environmental exploration and learning for students and educators thorugh professional development, project support, and meaningful partnerships.