Whether you’re talking about consumption or pollution run-off, water is an issue that makes most superintendents cringe. Some, such as those in California, Nevada, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Massachusetts are already being forced to comply with regulations. But more and more, superintendents throughout the country also are realizing that sometime in the near future, they’ll have to face the jury, so to speak.
The best advice is to be proactive. Groups that don’t get involved early enough end up with regulations that are difficult to deal with. Part of that is politics. Part of it is making sure you’re doing everything you can to manage water properly on your property, which includes turf and landscape areas, maintenance facilities and clubhouses.
What to worry about?
Generally, water regulations may hit you in a couple of ways. Anyone who’s experienced a drought knows the amount of water you use is one of those, so consider consumption and efficient use a priority. Using effluent water a good solution, too.
But more and more, water pollution is being regulated in the form of point-source pollution (such as what comes from factories) and nonpoint source pollution, which comes from many sources. It occurs as run-off water moves over the ground, picking up natural and man-made pollutants such as pesticides, petroleum products, sediment and fertilizers. Stormwater, as well as everyday run-off, is an issue.
Locally, many of your regulations might be based on something called total maximum daily load, which is the specific amount of a specific pollutant (such as phosphorus) that a water body can handle in a day. If you’re near a waterway, body of water or a groundwater source, you might need to be particularly vigilant. Many regulations require the land owner to report concentrations of regulated contaminants if they exceed certain standards once they receive knowledge of them. If this is mandated by the state, it’s not recommended you conduct testing on your own. Since the process of tracking regulated products, translating lab data, and reporting the data can be complicated, it’s best to use companies who specialize in this. There are companies available in the green industry to facilitate this process and assist you in accurate record-keeping.
Irrigation solutions
Looking at the big picture, you know some irrigation systems might be more efficient than others. You need to take a close look at your system and what it’s capable of doing and not doing. If you’re thinking about adding or replacing irrigation systems, consider this: Someday, someone might tell you you can’t have any water running off your property or that you can only use X amount of water each day on certain parts of your golf course. What might seem inexpensive in the short run might end up costing you more in the long run without an updated or efficient irrigation system.
There are things you can do in the short term to your system to maximize irrigation efficiency:
• Conduct an irrigation audit.
• Check your spray patterns to ensure you have as little wasted water as possible.
• If you hand water, consider the use of wetting agent pellets to maximize water availability and reduce runoff.
• Make sure your irrigation schedules and the employees in charge take the environmental conditions, soil type and turf needs into account.
• Incorporate wetting agents into your program to maximize irrigation efficiency and reduce water use.
Cultural solutions
Most, if not all, of the following solutions are common sense for superintendents and are meant as a reminder for all in the green industry.
• Improve IPM and nutritional management to reduce nonpoint source pollution. It could go a long way in the political arena when your local government forms regulations, if that hasn’t already happened.
• Regularly assess your nutrient situation through soil tests and leaf analysis so you can better manage the nutritional needs of your turf.
• Because phosphorus and nitrates are two pollutants that typically get regulated, fertilizer management is key. There are some wetting agent chemistries that have been proven to increase nitrogen efficiency and reduce runoff. There also are good, high performing granular fertilizers available with predictable, controlled release.
• Pesticides also are an issue if they end up in runoff. It’s wise to make sure disease and pests are properly diagnosed and correct materials are selected. Be sure to follow instructions on chemical labels; use calibrated spray equipment; when appropriate, spray dye indicators and consider wetting agents to maximize penetration and distribution.
Smart practices
Keep water records – not only for your own knowledge and to plan for future changes, but to help the case of superintendents when governments are writing policy and making regulations. It’s also imperative to develop a drought contingency plan as well as a list of best management practices for more efficient use of water, fertilizer and fungicides for improved performance, less waste and better environmental stewardship. Best management practices are to be used everyday and not just during crisis situations.
Additionally, be sure to train your employees. Make sure they know what to do with any spills that might contaminate water supplies, and train people who make irrigation decisions to take runoff, leaching, ET rates and water conservation into account as they go about their daily jobs.
Public relations
While this strays into the politics side, we should note that everyone we talk to about being proactive with water issues stresses the importance of publicizing what you’re doing. Share what you’re doing as good stewards of the environment and as efficient water users. Get information out to your members, the general public and local government folks through the local media, town events, school functions – whatever is appropriate in your area.
Unfortunately, the neighbor who doesn’t like you or understand what you’re doing can cause many problems. The government officials will listen to them, especially if they’re complaining about excess water use or pollution. Public relations is a way for you to be proactive, educate and influence people in a way that is favorable to the golf industry instead of allowing them to come up with their own negative perceptions. It helps you develop respectful relationships with people who, if they don’t like you or understand you, can get in the way of you negotiating a fair deal as water regulations and restrictions are implemented.
Water issues have been a long standing challenge and, unfortunately, are here to stay. Regulatory concern and action controlling water use, availability and quality will only increase throughout the country. We have to join together as an industry and put plans in place to insure that water resources are protected and available now and in the future. As golf course superintendents, you’re already good stewards of the environment and use water efficiently. We can work together to share this information and educate the general public, environmentalists, regulators and legislators so they understand the facts about water, fertilizer and chemical use on the golf course. GCI
Kathy Conard is a marketing manager for Aquatrols and heads up the Water Impact Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works with turf and ornamental professionals identifying and analyzing water regulatory issues. Kelly Durfee Cardoza represents numerous golf courses and other water-dependent industries with compliance and regulatory issues.