Grand River tests positive for E. coli in Ottawa Co.

WEST MICHIGAN (Newschannel 3) - Water safety issues continue to close local beaches and lakes, and now a huge section of the Grand River.

The Ottawa County Health Department has issued a "No Body Contact" advisory for the length of the Grand River in in the county's boundaries.

Brian Swanson says he and his family spend a lot of time in the water this time of year, water skiing and wakeboarding, but they're staying away from the river.

"We stay high and dry, I won't dare go into this water," said Swanson. "I haven't dared go in this water in a long time, we'll go into Spring Lake, but all the runoff comes out this way."

Ottawa County health officials says nearly a million gallons of mixed sewage dumped into the Grand River over the weekend, due to heavy storms.

"With the large amount of runoff, we thought it was imperative to check the river and test for E. coli levels," said Tom Olson with Ottawa Co. Environmental Health.

Early tests have already revealed high levels of E. Coli, normally a sign of feces in the water.

"Whether it be from human or agricultural runoff, you know, deer, cats, dogs, cattle, we had a large amount of runoff and that all ends up in the river," said Olson.

Environmental Health says E. coli can cause anything from an upset stomach to organ failure in severe cases, and in that case, the Swansons say they aren't taking any chances.

"We have a shower on the back of the boat, and if any of us gets wet or gets splashed, we wash off," said Swanson. "If any of us goes in, the first thing we do when we get out is rinse off."

The Ottawa County Health Department is hoping the the waters will clear by this weekend. Water samples will continue to be tested, and as soon as this water is clear, the "No Body Contact" advisory will be lifted.

Warnings are also posted at five popular beaches in Allegan County due to high levels of E. Coli, including Douglas Beach, Pier Cove, Westside County Park, Littlejohn Beach and Dumont Lake.

In Ottawa County, Lake Macatawa is also off-limits.