Water availability, water quality, water rights, water use and water costs are significant issues for golf courses at all levels of government. Some areas of the U.S. require golf courses to use reclaimed, effluent or other nonpotable water sources for irrigation and it is important that there is access to water suitable for use on turfgrass. Many golf course superintendents monitor water quality of streams and groundwater. Golf courses can also have a significant impact on groundwater recharge, especially in suburban areas. Proper management and conservation of water resources is an important issue for golf course management.
Efficient water use and water quality management on golf courses requires up-to-date technologies, continuing education, scientific research, and sound management practices by golf course superintendents. Innovations at golf facilities include the use of soil sensors, reclaimed water, sophisticated weather instruments such as weather stations, weather sensors, wetting agents, irrigation controls, VFD pump controls, drought- and salt-resistant grasses, water conservation and water protection practices. Golf facilities are making significant capital investments in these water conservation technologies in order to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. Specific water issues include:
- Water quality - surface and groundwater protection, nutrient loading, non-point source pollution, reclaimed water
- Water quantity - effluent/reclaimed water, drought, conservation of water resources