Golf courses can benefit from an array of water savings projects and new technology

Golf courses in Southern California who are under the auspices of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) are eligible for numerous incentive programs for water conservation projects.

Through its Technical Assistance Program, LADWP is offering $7 per 1,000 gallons of water saved for the first two years of a customized water conservation project.  Some of these projects include water recirculation projects, water recycling projects, irrigation distribution and uniformity projects and pilot technologies or products. 

It’s robust rebate program for turfgrass removal is offering $5 per square-foot up to the first 50,000 square-feet and then $3 per square-foot up to a maximum of seven acres.  This is an excellent opportunity for clubs to reduce turf in out-of-play areas as well as non-essential turf around the clubhouse and grounds. 

Other programs include rebates for the installation of high efficiency toilets and urinals and nozzle rebates.  Information on the Technical Assistance Program is available at www.ladwp.com/tap with rebate information located at www.ladwp.com/cwr.

The Metropolitan Water District which is the nations largest water district, offers savings and rebates through its Water Savings Incentive Program (WSIP).  WSIP is a pay for performance program and provides incentives for retrofitting existing equipment, improving processes, improving irrigation systems and contracts for water management services (audits, software, equipment, materials, third party labor).

The rebate is up to $.60 per 1,000 gallons saved (up to 10 years) and is limited to 50% of eligible project costs.  Brentwood Country Club recently participated in this program through upgrades to their irrigation system and will be receiving a yearly check of nearly $7,000 per year for the next 10 years if they continue to meet the agreed upon savings.    

Applications for WSIP are being accepted online at www.socalwatersmart.com.  Any additional questions can be directed to Gary Tilkian  at gtilkian@mwdh2o.com. 

We hope that golf courses in the areas serviced by the LADWP and MWD will contact them to discuss the numerous financial incentives available for water conservation projects.  We appreciate LADWP’s and MWD’s support of the golf industry and look forward to more collaboration in the near future.