Background

Allegan County is undergoing a period of growth and development that started decades ago and has sustained in recent years. Increased agricultural activities and above-average population growth (with respect to statewide and nationwide averages) has resulted in water use increases across the county. To effectively protect and manage the long-term sustainability of the county’s water resources, a holistic understanding of the county’s “water system” is needed (see Resources to the left for more information).

On March 13, 2025, the Workgroup presented a final report to the Board of Commissioners summarizing the work performed since the group's creation on June 10, 2021.  Following the presentation, the workgroup was officially dissolved.

Workgroup Tasks and Deliverables 

1. Review the final Allegan County Groundwater Study, conducted by Hydrosimulatics, Inc. and submitted to the Board on March 25, 2021. 
2. Provide regular updates to the Board and a final written summary of observations and recommendations of the workgroup, within one-year of the appointment of its members, relative to the study content (and any other aspects of Allegan County’s current and future state relative to water quality, including recommendations for how the County (as a geographic area) should proceed with next steps (if any) and provide particular focus on Hydrosimulatics, Inc. recommendation to pursue an interactive Decision Support System. All recommendations must be specific as to the management/oversight model, funding, root need/issue to be addressed and expected results of any next steps to be considered. 
3. The Allegan County Health Department will participate in the discussions of the work group and will provide administrative support, guidance and expertise. 
4. As an ad-hoc workgroup, the work of the group will be considered complete upon the delivery of item number 2 above. 

Well and Septic Assistance Program Information: Call the number in this flyer (there is no need to Apply).

Groundwater Education

Visit the Environmental Health website for educational resources on groundwater in Allegan County.

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