Irrigation Water Sources for Golf Courses
Changes in weather patterns and a growing demand for water have created significant challenges for golf courses. Reliance on municipal water supplies and wells is no longer a sustainable strategy for meeting the water requirements. Considering alternative irrigation water sources for golf courses has become an integral part of planning and ongoing maintenance.
As early as the 1950s, the golf course industry was becoming concerned with reducing water use on golf courses. Advances in irrigation were followed by increased regulation and conservation initiatives in the 1970s. As the century drew to a close, the potential impacts of water shortages had become apparent. The resulting water restrictions and increased costs made water management one of the most important aspects of operating a golf course.
Water costs, availability and negative public perception have all influenced water conservation efforts that have seen some success in the early 21st century. A 2022 study found a 29% decrease in golf course water usage from 2005 to 2022. While this is an important achievement, water availability is still a foremost concern.
Water Sources
Municipal water supplies and wells are no longer reliable or cost effective solutions as irrigation water sources for golf courses. Water management plans now must include alternative sources. Optimally, the plan will include a variety of sources to minimize cost and maximize availability. Irrigation water sources generally include:
Municipal Water
The simplest irrigation answer is often connection to a municipal water supply. This water source may be a necessary one for the potable water needs of a golf course, but is an expensive option for irrigation. Availability is also a concern as more critical water consumers place an ever-increasing burden on water supplies. Costs are expected to continue to rise as well. Still, 14 percent of golf courses use water from municipal systems for irrigation.
On-Site Wells
Like the municipal water supply, on-site wells are a good source of potable water. 46% of 18-hole courses depend on wells for at least part of their irrigation needs. Although they are on course property, consumption is still often regulated since they are drawing water from the same aquifer as the public water supply. Most importantly, the demand on that aquifer will be highest during dry periods, risking a lack of water when the turf needs it most.
Rivers, Streams and Creeks
Another natural on-site source of water may be rivers and creeks. While not potable, this water source can be an attractive irrigation option when it’s available. It must be noted that regulations on the amount of water that can be drawn apply in many areas of the country. Drought periods may also affect availability.
Runoff Harvesting
As severe precipitation events and periods of drought both become more common across the U.S., the idea of retaining stormwater for later use makes a lot of sense. A golf course by nature is a large area of land that can receive a high volume of water in a rainstorm. By designing the course to guide the flow to catchment areas, water can be retained for when it’s needed. At the same time, soggy turf and damage from flooding can be avoided.
Stormwater can also be captured from the surrounding area in some cases. Developments prone to flooding can have water directed to golf course reservoirs, for instance.
Ponds and lakes are an expected feature on a golf course. They play a more important role than providing pleasant scenery and challenging play, however. 52 percent of golf courses utilize water from ponds and lakes for irrigation. Through effective design, such reservoirs can also help to filter out contaminants from stormwater runoff. Evaporation is the biggest drawback to depending on surface water sources.
A good way to limit evaporation is to move the water storage underground. Storage tanks are typically made of plastic, steel, concrete or more advanced geocellular storage components. These systems are an excellent way to retain stormwater runoff for later use. The drawback is that underground storage carries a significant initial expense, but can really pay off in the long run.
Effluent and Recycled Water
An interesting option being used by 12 percent of golf courses is the use of effluent and recycled water. Often referred to as “gray water,” effluent is partially treated water sourced from community or industrial treatment plants. Effluent is not safe for human consumption, but has been cleansed of major pollutants and pathogens, making it acceptable for irrigation purposes.
The use of effluent for irrigation benefits both the golf course and the environment. Well-managed turfgrass is one of the best ways to filter out the remaining contaminants from wastewater before it reaches streams and groundwater supplies. Some contaminants do require additional management practices, however. In particular, superintendents must cope with higher salinity levels in effluent water. Courses must also be sure to post warnings for golfers to avoid contact with effluent water stored in ponds or sprayed from sprinklers.
Whether recycled water makes sense or not largely depends on availability. Effluent will require a dedicated pipeline from the recycling plant, making proximity a key determining factor. Cost will also be a concern, although effluent will always be less expensive than potable municipal water. Around 12 percent of golf courses make use of recycled water for irrigation purposes.
Combining Irrigation Water Sources
It makes sense to have a portfolio of irrigation water sources. Relying on one source can be expensive, risky or both. By including multiple sources in the irrigation design, golf course superintendents can assure water availability and keep a handle on expense. Optimally, superintendents should utilize sources according to availability and cost. A good plan would be to draw from sources in the following order of precedence:
- Water harvesting and retention
- Recycled wastewater
- River and stream abstraction
- Wells
- Municipal water
Of course, such a plan requires monitoring and adjustment as conditions change. Superintendents must not only be prepared to switch water sources, but also to mitigate any effects of water quality changes. Regular water and soil testing becomes even more important when the water source is not consistent.
Your Irrigation Water Source Partners
The irrigation water sources we’ve discussed range from relatively simple to fairly difficult to implement. Whether designing a new course or updating the irrigation infrastructure on an existing one, an experienced civil engineering partner can offer invaluable insight. At Contineo Group, golf course design is an important part of our portfolio and irrigation is a big piece of it. Please get in touch to see how we can improve your irrigation water source options.
