Ottawa County, despite its proximity to Lake Michigan, faces significant groundwater shortages, with approximately one in four residents relying on wells that tap into dwindling aquifers. The local irrigation systems have struggled, particularly during dry spells, leaving many lawns parched.

Paul Sachs, the director of the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact, explains that water is drawn from two underground sources—glacial and sandstone aquifers. As the primary aquifer is gradually disconnected from Lake Michigan, the rate of extraction exceeds the rate of replenishment, leading to declining water levels.

In response to this ongoing issue, county officials are urging residents to conserve water and consider adopting native landscaping, which requires less irrigation compared to traditional lawns. "It’s a behavioral shift," Sachs noted, emphasizing the need for a change in mindset regarding water usage.

To raise awareness about these groundwater challenges, Restoration Earth has collaborated with Oddside Ales to create a new beer called The Bergabowski. This unique brew features wild bergamot, a drought-tolerant plant native to the area. Oddside Ales General Manager John Motz shared that the idea came out of casual conversations about beer and native plants.

The introduction of this beer has sparked discussions regarding native landscaping, and there is hope that such plants will become a more common choice for maintaining yards, much like traditional turf grasses.