Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Driest period in 103 years has water use under scrutiny

Not that this is breaking information for those of you dealing with it daily, but Florida is experiencing some of the worst droughts in over 100 years according to several news sources. Every evening as I watch the news, the dry conditions seem to expand to more regions of the state. With rain shortfalls in some areas approaching double-digit deficits, water restrictions are beginning to be discussed. As you would imagine, golf will be right in the cross hairs of any of these discussions.

Data that can be utilized by golf in these conversations includes the following information that GCSAA reports through our Golf Course Environmental Profile Surveys. Water use on golf courses is down nationally by nearly 22 percent from 2005 – 2013. For that same period, water use in the Southeast is down by 39.3 percent. These reductions can be attributed to decreased turf area requiring water, advancements in delivery systems, and water conservation practices which include utilization of wetting agents, hand watering, keeping turf drier, and modifications in fertilizing practices. We have also found that golf courses account for only 1.44 percent of irrigation water used in the U.S.

As a matter of fact, the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association is going to bat for superintendents in the region by drafting a letter utilizing this information as well as other pertinent figures that underscore how important golf is as an economic and environmental driver in the state. The state association continues to advocate on these issues as does GCSAA to help you, our members, and superintendents in general, keep the resources necessary to maintain their facilities.

I just read an article reporting that by 2070 water consumption in Florida will exceed 8 billion gallons a day which is a 54 percent increase over current water demands as per research conducted at the University of Florida. Most of the increased demand will be brought about by increased population that is anticipated to be an additional 15 million people.

In order to help offset any shortfalls in available water, we as an industry must be proactive in our practices and continue to strive to be as efficient as possible. With restrictions imminent, it is important that we continue to be stewards of the environment and follow the directives presented us. I am hopeful that the efforts of the state association will allow for a percent reduction in water use versus a day of the week mandate.

I am also hopeful that in the coming weeks, as we get deeper into the wet season in Florida, that more abundant rainfall will ease the current drought conditions. In the event that we continue to be dry, I hope you can utilize the data from this piece as speaking points when necessary. I also hope that you know that both the state and national associations are here to provide information and services to assist you during times such as this. Please feel free to reach out to me at rdain@gcsaa.org if you need support information that can assist with any issues.