GCSAA actively monitors water issues at all levels of government and supports superintendent efforts to deal with water issues by providing resources through educational programs and through direct efforts with legislators and regulators and the media.
In 2006, GCSAA developed a state-specific Water Permitting database for members. The database contains information on permitting requirements for each state.
In 2007, GCSAA launched the Water Use and Conservation Survey, the second survey of the Golf Course Environmental Profile (GCEP). The overall goal of the GCEP is to develop an environmental profile of golf courses. This survey solicited information regarding water use and conservation practices on golf courses throughout the United States. This information will provide baseline data for documenting changes in environmental practices over time, help GCSAA respond to governmental inquiries, and answer the public’s questions about environmental issues. Data from the Water Use and Conservation Survey was released in 2008.
In 2012, GCSAA presented data from the Golf Course Environmental Profile at the USGA Water Summit and several golf course superintendents were featured speakers at the event.
GCSAA affiliated chapters in Florida, Georgia , Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and elsewhere are demonstrating proactive environmental stewardship through the creation and implementation of comprehensive BMP programs and certification.
In 2013, GCSAA and its chapters throughout the country collaborated with state and local officials to develop practical water management public policy on golf courses. Examples: Superintendents in Texas worked with the Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council to update its golf course water management BMPs; the Minnesota GCSA partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Waters, to redefine water appropriation standards; and superintendents in California began serving on the San Diego and Los Angeles water conservation task forces.
In 2015, GCSAA launched the Water Use and Conservation Survey, the first survey of the second phase of the Golf Course Environmental Profile. Results of the Water Use and Conservation Survey were released in 2016.