Colorado golf courses are committed to water conservation and actively demonstrate the harmony that can be achieved between sustainability and the sport. The Colorado golf industry has proactively approached demand management through development and continuous education on its Colorado Golf Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for irrigation. Rocky Mountain golf courses use less than one percent of the state’s annual water consumption as reported in the Colorado Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report as compared to agricultural use which represents 89 percent of the total water consumed in the state. With water being a precious resource, Colorado's courses have emerged as pioneers in promoting conservation practices and environmental stewardship within the golf industry.
Advanced irrigation systems have been embraced by Colorado golf courses to optimize water usage. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as weather-based irrigation controllers with onsite weather stations and soil moisture sensors, these courses deliver water precisely where and when it is needed. It’s recommended that turf, landscape areas, and specific use areas are zoned separately (like greens, tees, roughs, fairways, etc.) By avoiding overwatering and reducing water waste, for example through using rain sensors to shut off the system after 0.25 to 0.5 inch of rain is received or hand watering hot spots, Colorado golf courses have achieved impressive water conservation results.
Colorado's golf courses prioritize xeriscaping techniques, which involve the use of low-water-consuming plants and native species in landscaping design. Approximately 80 percent of Colorado golf courses have implemented the use of drought-resistant or native plants in non-play areas, according to data from the Colorado Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report. By replacing water-thirsty plants with those that are well-adapted to the local climate, these courses not only reduce the demand for irrigation but also enhance the beauty and sustainability of the landscapes.
Colorado's golf courses have implemented efficient turf management practices that minimize water consumption. Cultural practices including precision mowing, verticutting, aeration, nutrition management, and other practices are employed to maintain optimal turfgrass height and reduce water loss. Irrigation scheduling takes plant water requirements and soil intake capacity into account to prevent excess water use. Plant water needs are determined by evapotranspiration (ET) rates, recent rainfall, turfgrass types, recent temperature extremes and soil moisture. Irrigation scheduling often occurs in the early morning hours before air temperatures rise and relative humidity drops. Additionally, the adoption of drought-resistant turfgrass varieties and course designs that use a “target golf” concept minimizing irrigated turf have significantly contributed to water conservation efforts, ensuring the desired playing quality with reduced water requirements.
Colorado's golf courses are actively engaged in water reuse strategies. They utilize treated effluent water from nearby wastewater treatment plants for irrigation purposes, reducing the reliance on freshwater sources. According to the Colorado Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report, 32 percent of Colorado golf courses used reclaimed water in 2018. The Denver Metro Region has a significant portion of reclaimed water use at 39.3 percent, which is notably higher than the rest of the state. By implementing water reuse practices and maximizing the use of reclaimed water, Colorado's golf courses contribute to water conservation efforts and demonstrate the benefits of sustainable water management practices.
Colorado's golf courses have become exemplars in promoting water conservation within the golf industry. Through the implementation of advanced irrigation systems, xeriscaping, efficient turf management, and water reuse strategies, these courses have made significant strides in minimizing water consumption while preserving the sport's integrity. Their commitment to sustainability sets a powerful precedent for other golf courses nationwide, demonstrating that responsible water management can go hand in hand with providing exceptional golfing experiences. By continuing to champion water conservation practices, Colorado golf courses inspire and motivate others to follow suit in the collective effort to preserve this precious resource for future generations.