The supplemental use of water for course play and non-play areas is essential to supporting healthy turfgrass and sustaining optimal course playability, aesthetics, marketability, and club membership participation. BMPs related to water use conserve and protect water resources. Conservation and efficiency-related efforts consider the strategic use of appropriate course and irrigation design, plant selection, computerized and data-integrated scheduling, and alternative water quality/supply options that maximize plant health and reduce the potential for negative impacts on natural resources. Water quality protection is an integrated approach that includes irrigation practices, pesticide and nutrient practices, and regulatory compliance measures and structural measures as they concern environmental stewardship and policy.
Irrigation BMPs may also provide an economic, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship advantage to those who consider them part of their irrigation management plan. BMPs are not intended to increase labor or place an undue burden on the owner/superintendent. If applied appropriately, BMPs can help stabilize labor costs, extend equipment life, and limit repair and overall personal and public liability.
