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Knowledge

Water Quality

With the knowledge we have, we can ensure that all golf facilities have a positive impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Achieving this will be determined by attention to detail in facility planning, design, construction and management. Without this, it is possible that the development and management of a golf course can negatively affect hydrologic and water quality characteristics of an area when compared to the undeveloped or previous site conditions.

Best Management Practices

Water Quality

  • Reduce or eliminate off-site loss of sediment, nutrients and pesticides
  • Prevent the on-site degradation of natural resources from pollutants
  • Reduce total chemical use through an integrated approach to turfgrass management
  • Control the rate, method and types of chemicals being applied

Given the direct link between water quality, biological diversity and safe drinking water, golf's rôle in the protection and enhancement of water quality should be a top priority for all facility and course designers and managers.

There are many established and proven best practices for the protection and enhancement of water quality in golf facility development and management.

A key focus area is the potential loss of pesticides, and phosphorous and nitrates from fertilisers. Sediment loss is also a concern during construction and renovation.

Golf developers and managers should adopt a wide range of mechanical and biological soil and water conservation practices, including:

Drainage

Stormwater runoff should be directed away from sensitive areas (streams, shallow groundwater areas, wetlands, etc.) and into areas where ponding and infiltration can occur. Extensive roughs and natural (undisturbed) areas offer excellent stormwater management opportunities.

Runoff management from residential areas and clubhouses should be integrated with runoff control from the golf course itself. Specific features to be used may include berms, vegetative strips, grease traps and other natural systems engineering solutions.

Greens and tees may need 'under-drains' that are directed into areas suitable for storage and passive treatment. These under-drain systems help to protect groundwater from leachate.

Best Management Practices

Lake & Wetland Management

  • Limit eutrophication by controlling runoff from fertilised areas using measures such as buffer strips
  • Control eutrophication with in-lake management techniques, such as oxygenation
  • Maintain flow through ponds and avoid sediment build up

Stormwater quantity and quality should be handled jointly. Reverse-grading of roughs and fairways away from ponds, wetlands, and streams on the course help to reduce the potential of algae and weed infestations in lakes. The overall drainage design should ensure that there is not an increase in the amount or velocity of off-site flows.

Monitoring

Monitoring and maintenance are a key priority, particularly monitoring upstream and downstream from the course to determine if water quality changes are occurring due to the flow through the golf course.

Source/Spill Controls

Proper storage and handling of pesticides, fertilizers, fuel, and other maintenance chemicals helps to reduce pollutant loading.
Abide by Community-Right-to-Know and Material Safety Data Sheets requirements.
Establish and follow Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plans for maintenance facilities.

Technical Resources

  • Closed Loop Recycle Systems

    In depth study of an important maintenance facility issue. Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

    PDF 1.1 MB Pub. 28 Oct 2005
  • Design Manual - Pesticide Handling Areas and Biobeds

    Detailed guidance on design and construction of 'biobeds' as a pollution control measure in pesticide handling and mixing areas. The Voluntary Initiative, UK

    PDF 407.4 KB Pub. 28 Jul 2006
  • Protecting the Aquatic Environment

    An alternative, research based and ultimately constructive take on the impacts of golf courses on water quality. Not for the faint hearted. Richard D. Klein, Maryland Community and Environmental Defense Services.

    PDF 131.8 KB Pub. 28 Jan 2004

Research

Further Reading

  • Where does the Wash Water Go?

    Useful opinion piece on the merits of closed loop wash water treatment and recycling systems. Sports Turf Research Institute.

    PDF 1.1 MB Pub. 28 May 2006

General

  • BMP'S - critical for the golf industry

    Interesting published, research based article on the value of a BMP based approach to water quality protection and enhancement. Bob Carrow and Ron Duncan.

    PDF 133.2 KB Pub. 5 Jun 2005