Golf Courses: Hidden Water Pollutant Sources

Golf courses can be a source of water pollution, with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers being the main contaminants. The water features and ponds on a golf course require maintenance and can carry harmful contaminants throughout the property. The use of pesticides and herbicides is unique to golf courses and requires proper certification of employees applying these substances. Over-irrigation and stormwater runoff can lead to pollution both on and off-site, with water flowing through the property picking up contaminants. To protect water quality, golf courses can employ modern irrigation systems, properly store and handle chemicals, and maintain healthy turf to reduce fertilizer use and intercept pollutants before they reach groundwater sources.

Water Pollutants from Golf Courses

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Golf courses are man-made ecosystems that attract a diverse range of wildlife and provide recreational spaces for people. While they aim to offer a natural experience, the maintenance of these spaces can introduce various pollutants, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

To mitigate the impact of these pollutants, golf courses can implement several best practices. Firstly, they can minimize irrigation water flow into wetlands and ensure proper stabilization and maintenance of stream banks and ditches to limit erosion. Additionally, they can limit the application of fertilizers and pesticides near wetland boundary areas and designate certain areas as ""no-spray" or "limited-spray" zones. Proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals are crucial, with spills being contained and equipment cleaned in a way that prevents chemicals from entering water sources. Implementing riparian vegetated buffers along the banks of wetlands, streams, and other water bodies can act as natural filters, trapping sediments, nutrients, and pesticides before they reach surface waters.

The selection of turfgrass can also play a significant role in reducing the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Using weed-free planting material can minimize future weed problems and reduce herbicide usage. Improved and adapted grass species often require less fertilizer, pesticides, and water, as they are more resilient to pests and environmental stressors.

It is important to note that the regulatory environment surrounding pesticides differs between regions. For example, a study found that pesticide risks from golf courses in the United States were approximately 15 times higher than those in Europe due to differing approaches to regulation. While the EU regulates pesticides based on inherent toxicity, the US focuses on the risk of harmful effects, leading to a much larger number of pesticides being available for use.

Soil erosion and surface runoff

To combat soil erosion, golf course managers can employ various techniques such as grading and slope stabilization. Proper grading and techniques like retaining walls or terracing can help redirect water flow and prevent erosion. Strategic reshaping of slopes and the addition of erosion control measures ensure consistent playability and minimize erosion risks. Implementing erosion control blankets, biodegradable erosion control mats, or vegetative buffers can also stabilize soil and promote vegetation growth for natural erosion control.

Vegetation and turf management are crucial for erosion control. Using erosion-resistant grass species and implementing proper turf management practices enhance the resilience of greens against erosion. Techniques such as overseeding, regular fertilization, and adequate irrigation promote healthy turf growth, which is essential for water quality as it requires fewer fertilizers and plant protectants.

Drainage system improvements are vital to managing excess water and preventing erosion. Upgrading drainage systems helps efficiently manage water and reduce the risk of water dislodging soil particles, causing erosion channels and gullies. Additionally, minimizing overwatering and using modern irrigation systems can help reduce surface runoff and protect water quality.

Golf course managers should also focus on minimizing foot traffic on vulnerable areas and enforcing cart traffic regulations. Regular inspections of erosion-prone zones and prompt action are essential for long-term erosion control. By understanding the underlying causes of erosion and implementing proactive measures, golf course managers can ensure optimal playing conditions and an exceptional golfing experience while protecting the natural beauty of the course.

Storage and disposal of chemicals

Golf courses require a range of chemicals for turf care and maintenance, including pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and herbicides. These chemicals are essential for maintaining the attractive landscape that golfers enjoy, but they can also be hazardous and require proper storage and disposal to protect the environment and human health.

Storage of Chemicals

To ensure the safe storage of chemicals, golf course superintendents must follow all relevant regulations. This includes complying with federal, state, and local laws, as well as guidelines set by organizations like the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Proper chemical storage involves keeping them in appropriate containment units, off the floor, and with dry chemicals stored above liquid ones. Good ventilation is critical to prevent a toxic build-up of chemical gases, and it is recommended to store chemicals at or above 40°F to protect them from degradation due to cold temperatures. Additionally, proper labeling of containers and grouping similar chemicals together can reduce the risk of errors.

Disposal of Chemicals

It is crucial to dispose of unusable or unwanted chemicals properly. Golf course managers can refer to resources like the National Pesticide Information Center or consult their state's environmental agency for guidance on appropriate disposal methods. This process should not be neglected, as improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination and health risks.

Additional Considerations

To further enhance chemical storage and disposal practices, golf courses can implement the following:

• Regularly update inventory and inspect storage areas: Assign a dedicated employee to maintain an accurate inventory of all pesticides and other potentially dangerous chemicals. Regular inspections help identify any issues, such as leaks or damaged containers, and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Always refer to the instructions provided by the chemical manufacturers for handling and disposal. This includes using chemicals only as directed on their containers, as over-application can release harmful amounts into the environment.
• Implement buffer zones: Establish "no-spray" or "limited-spray" zones near water bodies to reduce the risk of plant protectants and other chemicals from entering these sensitive areas.
• Improve lighting and user-friendliness: Make the chemical storage area more user-friendly by adding lighting and a heating source, improving ventilation, and organizing chemicals into categories.

Irrigation and drainage

Golf courses use a lot of water for maintenance, with an average golf course using 312 gallons of water per day. This water can pick up contaminants as it flows through the property, including petroleum, pesticides, and fertilizers. Over-irrigation and stormwater runoff can exacerbate this type of contamination, leading to pollution both on and off-site.

To mitigate these issues, golf courses can implement several best practices. Firstly, they should avoid overwatering, as it can cause excessive soil leaching and increase surface water runoff. Modern irrigation systems that are properly designed can help optimize water usage and reduce runoff. Maintaining healthy turf is another effective way to protect water quality. Healthy turf not only requires less fertilizer and plant protectants but also acts as a natural filter, cleansing water and preventing soil erosion.

Another strategy is to use riparian vegetated buffers along the banks of golf course wetlands, streams, and other water bodies. These buffers act as filters, trapping sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants before they reach surface waters. Additionally, designating turf areas adjacent to water bodies as "no-spray" or "limited-spray" zones can reduce the risk of applied plant protectants from entering water sources.

Proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals are also crucial. Golf course staff should ensure that spills are contained and that equipment is cleaned in a way that prevents chemicals from entering water sources. Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of the presence of wetlands on or near the golf course and to manage them as natural areas, protecting their habitat structure and hydrology.

By following these practices, golf courses can minimize the potential impact on water quality and help protect the environment.

Water treatment

Golf courses use an average of 312 gallons of water per day for maintenance, which can pick up contaminants as it flows through the property. These contaminants include petroleum, pesticides, and fertilizers. Over-irrigation and stormwater runoff can lead to pollution both on and off-site.

To treat water contaminated by golf courses, the following steps can be taken:

Source Control

Prevent contamination at the source by properly storing, handling, and disposing of chemicals. This includes containing spills and cleaning equipment without allowing chemicals to enter water sources. Golf courses should also maintain healthy turf, as it requires fewer fertilizers and plant protectants, and can filter and cleanse water, prevent soil erosion, and reduce surface water runoff.

Riparian Buffers

Implement riparian vegetated buffers along the banks of golf course wetlands, streams, and other water bodies. These buffers act as filters, trapping sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants before they reach surface waters.

Spray Zones

Designate turf areas adjacent to water bodies as "no-spray" or "limited-spray" zones to reduce the risk of applied plant protectants from entering water sources.

Wetland Management

If there are wetlands on or adjacent to the golf course, manage them as natural areas, protecting their habitat structure and existing hydrology. Work with municipal, state, and federal agencies that administer statutes and regulations protecting wetlands.

Water Treatment

If using water from golf course lakes or ponds, it is essential to treat it before consumption or even washing. Boiling and purifying the water can help kill harmful bacteria and organisms. Distillation and filtration processes can also be employed to make the water safer for use.

Frequently asked questions