What We’re Doing About It
Ottawa County is deeply involved and actively working on the groundwater issue it is facing. From partnering with numerous local organizations, universities and companies to developing programs to help save water, here you will find the latest information on what we are working on.
Groundwater Mitigation Strategies: 2026 Priorities
In early 2026, the Groundwater Board met with the Department of Strategic Impact for a strategic planning session to review past priorities and plan for the future of regional water conservation.
Using the previously developed Proactive Strategies Index as a springboard for conversation, members evaluated and ranked an array of methods to address the County’s ongoing groundwater challenges.
The result of this exercise was a nine-page guide highlighting four categories – Adaptation, Coordination, Mitigation, and Education.
With this updated Groundwater Protection Strategies guide, the Groundwater Board and staff can continue to ensure all residents and stakeholders have reliable and sustainable access to water.
Proactive Strategies
Management Strategies
Ottawa County planners, local scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders identified and developed practical solutions to the County’s groundwater challenges and compiled them into a Proactive Strategies Index. Divided into four strategies, this guidebook highlights steps oriented toward alleviating the water crisis.
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1. Education Strategies
Advocating for change in regional water conservation perceptions.
This section details outreach campaign, online resources, as well as youth and community education programs to inform the public.
2. Integration Strategies
Partner-managed programs designed to make a difference.
This section details ways the County and its Groundwater Sustainability Initiative partners are developing actionable household conservation, landscape, and irrigation strategies and recommendations.
3. Mitigation Strategies
Using policy to enhance groundwater sustainability.
This section details plans for model ordinances, health code revisions, a well monitoring network, infrastructure planning, and more to better manage and conserve groundwater.
4. Coordination Strategies
Creating accountability through organization structure.
This section illustrates the committees and other personnel structures that are to manage current and future groundwater initiatives.