Drought Awareness

With the new world of water restrictions and the reality of all water supplies shrinking in years to come, we have come to a turning point in our industry. Which way will we go? The answer is simple, our practices and expectations must change. The timing could not be worse as we are in the mist of the worst recession the country has seen since the early 80’s. As people cut back their discretionary spending, the golf industry struggles for profits and member retention. Now you throw mandatory water restrictions on top of that, and here we are facing our greatest challenge in recent memory.

In May of this year the SDGCSA Board created a new committee called the “Water Resource Committee.” As the junior member of the board this was also my first board meeting in my newly appointed position. To my surprise, our new President Brendon Reaksecker asked if I would like to chair this new Water Resource Committee. As daunting as the task seemed, in the back of my mind it was the reason I wanted to be on the board in the first place. Be careful what you wish for right? I accepted the position and began assembling our committee. Knowing that I am far from an expert in this field, the goal was to enlist experienced Superintendents and the best water experts in our region. continue

SDGCSA members were recently featured in North County Times articles. Members mentioned are:

• Brendon Reaksecker, Bonita Golf Course
• George Winters, The Vineyard at Escondido
• Gary Radersma, The CC of Rancho Bernardo
• Sandy Clark, CGCS, Barona Creek GC
• Tim Barrier, CGCS, Rancho Santa Fe GC
• Brian Kinnare, Woods Valley GC
• Bob Dobek, JC Resorts

These articles focused on the on-going struggle with water conservation. Check out the articles!

While the San Diego County Water Authority and some local water agencies are reaching out to golf courses in attempts to encourage water conservation, there are currently no mandates to enforce it. Read the full NC times article.

Brown soon may be the new green for golf courses. It’s called the “Augusta Syndrome,” and it’s making some golf course superintendents sick. Course operators say golfers are given a false sense of what a course is supposed to look like each spring during the Masters, when they see wall-to-wall green grass at the impeccably manicured Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. Read the full NC times article.

Danger signs: Ongoing drought, looming mandatory water cutbacks force golf courses to get creative as a matter of survival. The increasing thirst for water in the region has many residents concerned about rising costs and mandatory cutbacks, which could result in green-deficient wallets and browner lawns. For most local golf courses, the water shortage is the most pressing issue of the day, forcing many to re-think watering and maintenance methods in order to stretch their most precious commodity. Read more of this NC Times Article

Recycled Water Users! General Permit AB 1481Responses Needed

This is a message from the State Water Resources Control Board:
In it’s Tuesday, May 19, 2009 workshop regarding the draft general permit for landscape irrigation uses of municipal recycled water, the State Water Board extended the deadline for written comments. Written comments are due by 12:00 noon Tuesday, May 26, 2009. The State Water Board will accept additional written comments only on the changes depicted on the May 7, 2009 version of the proposed general permit.

For additional information and a copy of the May 7, 2009 version of the proposed general permit, please visit the program website http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/water_recycling_policy/landscape_irrigation_general_permit.shtml.

In other news:

• The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting that water saving rules differ across country.

Our 2009 board has created a new committee called the “Water Resource Committee.” With current Level 2 Drought Restrictions pending for the City of San Diego and other City’s soon to follow our association needs a voice and liaisons to represent us. The Committee is a mix of Superintendents and industry experts. So with no further a due, here are you 2009 Water Resource Committee volunteers.

• Chris Hayman
• Geoff Haynes
• Kent Graph
• Dennis Fowler
• Mike Greninger
• Larry Stowell
• Mike Huck
• Mike McCullough
• Dave Waymire
• Brent Harvey
• Brendon Reaksecker

The SDGCSA Water Resource Committee has a meeting next Wednesday with high ranking members from San Diego public utilities who had a big part in drafting the Level 2 Drought Restrictions. We wish to learn more about the restrictions and what “wiggle” room we may have. They are also the ones who review variance request going forward.

It is our goal to have these restrictions be based on allotments of water, rather than on behavioral watering. In preparation for this meeting we request help from our San Diego City golf courses who are using potable water on their course(s) to provide us with some information.

1. Five year history of potable usage (ac/ft)
2. Total acres of turf using potable water
3. Any historical ETo information you may have

Help us help you! If your course is within the City of San Diego and you use potable water, PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.

Thank you,
SDGCSA Water Resource Committee

The NY times posted a very interesting “global” perspective on environmentalism and growth in CA vs. other parts of the country
. Check it out!

ABC Nightline is reporting that 10% of all golf courses in the country may close (as compared to the 30% of all golf courses closed in the great depression).

Check out the video

This video was produced by KFMB News 8:

Below are four more articles relating to the drought this summer:

• The City of Oceanside had a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss proposed water tables.
• The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources held a one-sided hearing, “The California Drought: Actions by Federal and State Agencies to Address Impacts on Lands, Fisheries, and Water Users.”
• Water board rejects mandatory water rationing.
• California can’t afford more water problems.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that it’s water, rather than the economy, that could provide the fatal blow for some courses.

“Las Vegas got itself on the map as a place you think about for golf,” Hegarty said. “Just stand at the airport and watch all the golf clubs coming through on the luggage carousels. Forty million tourists generate a tremendous number of rounds.

“But the major issue is water. It dominates everything else. It won’t be lack of demand that will close courses in Las Vegas. It will be not being able to get water at a rate people can pay.”

Read more

Interesting presentation on the Delta and current water crisis, first 45 min is presentation, second 45 min is Q &A.