Water usage

We are still trending drier than normal, despite a couple recent storms. This is reflected in the water usage report we just completed.

We are required to report our water usage to the state twice a year. We report how much water we use total, based on a flow meter in our irrigation pump house. When applicable, we also report if we have to pump water out of the Potomac River to refill the pond on #17, and if so, how much water we pump. We have not had to pump yet this year, but the water report shows we are ahead of our usage pace from last season.

The pond on #17 has been low for a couple of months now. With very little rainfall to naturally replenish it, it provides a quick visual that it has been dry overall- from May to early July- which is reflected in the numbers. From January 2020 thru June 2020, we used about 3.6 million gallons of water. In comparison, during the same period for 2021, we used about 5.3 million gallons, for a difference of about 1.7 million gallons.

While these are large numbers and represent a huge quantity of water, our usage is greatly reduced because we have many acres of Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass actually loves water and can handle wet conditions very easily, but one of its greatest attributes is how well it can perform in drought conditions also. During dry stretches we can greatly reduce the amount of water we use on the Bermuda grass to conserve for other areas, like the putting greens. This is exactly what we have done- minimize the amount of water applied, especially to fairways, and judicially apply to everything else.

Every season is different in many ways, including the need for watering. We have used more water in other seasons, and first and second halves within a season can vary greatly. But for now, the numbers back up what we have seen out in the field- it has been a dry first half of 2021.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please enter and exit all bunkers on the low side. While this may result in slightly more distance to rake, it will keep the sod on the face of the bunker from tearing. It is also much safer! Thank you.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org