Water management
The government’s new environmental improvement plan for England was launched in December with a ‘clear plan to restore the environment.’
It comes at a time when sustainable management of water resources in the golf and tourism sector is increasingly regarded as a critical issue worldwide.
Water is one of the most valuable resources on a golf course. Beyond providing irrigation and creating striking landscape features, ponds and water hazards can play a vital role in supporting wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and improving the overall ecological health of the course. Effective water management is essential for balancing environmental stewardship with the demands of playability.
As green areas have been built over with impermeable roads and buildings, the amount of water generated from industrial and residential developments has increased. These issues are exacerbated by an ever-increasing population and climate change.
Many areas within the UK draw much of their water from ground water aquifers with boreholes. As populations and water demand increases these aquifers are not being recharged quickly enough and the water within them is becoming scarce. As a result, the UK and Europe have been developing legislation and guidance for water, its management, abstraction and disposal. Boreholes and groundwater abstraction are often the primary source of irrigation water for golf courses, so the reducing water availability from aquifers is a real issue for golf.
As part of their ‘Golf Course 2030’ project, The R&A is looking to mitigate the effects of climate change and add a theme of sustainability throughout the golf world. STRI have devleoped an interactive online portal that could be used easily by golf course managers to provide them with help, information and advice.
Key legislation considerations:
- A golf club must not increase flood risk upstream or downstream. If modifications undertaken on the golf course contribute to flooding outside of the course, the club could be held liable for the damages.
- Volumes of flow downstream of a golf course must not be reduced, unless part of an agreed catchment flood reduction approach. Too much abstraction can have serious ecological issues for watercourse.
- Abstraction of water from boreholes or water courses requires a license if more than 20 m³ is removed per day. Licenses can be subject to strict abstraction conditions and amounts, depending on geographical location, and current aquifer condition. Licences carry a presumption of renewal, but this is not guaranteed.
- Water storage structures i.e. reservoirs need to be built to certain standards. Reservoirs above 25,000 m³ (likely to be reduced to 10,000 m3) need to be designed and approved by qualified engineers. Long term management plans are required to ensure ongoing safety.
- In recent years, licencing bodies and Water Authorities/Utility Companies have asked golf courses to voluntarily reduce their water abstraction or potable water usage. It is expected that these requests for voluntary reductions will continue and likely increase in the future.
- Water captured and stored for reuse must undergo a certain amount of treatment before it is reused. The level of treatment depends on the final use of the water, and risk to human health.
The role of ponds and water features
Golf course ponds are more than aesthetic additions - they are critical habitats for amphibians, fish, insects and birds.
Well-designed water features provide:
- Habitat diversity: Ponds with varied depths, gently sloping edges, and native aquatic plants support frogs, dragonflies and wetland birds.
- Water storage and irrigation: Retention ponds and reservoirs can store water during wet periods for use in irrigation during dry spells.
- Erosion control: Properly managed water bodies help prevent soil erosion and reduce sediment run-off into natural waterways.
Supporting biodiversity
Water features are essential hubs for wildlife on golf courses. To maximise their ecological value:
- Create wildflower margins around ponds to attract pollinators.
- Maintain a mix of open water and vegetated areas for nesting birds.
- Provide log piles or rock shelters near pond edges for amphibians and reptiles.
Water management and pond design are more than functional necessities - they are opportunities to enhance the environmental value of a golf course.
By carefully balancing irrigation needs, wildlife habitat and playability, golf courses can become green havens that benefit both the game and the ecosystem. Thoughtful pond management ensures that water remains a resource, a refuge and a scenic highlight for years to come.
The most comprehensive guidance for collection, management and disposal of water is provided in the SuDS Manual.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) maximise the opportunities and benefits available within surface water management.
There are four main pillars of SuDS:
- Water Quantity - control the quantity of water to manage flood risk. This includes water reuse onsite where possible
- Water Quality - manage the quality of water to prevent pollution
- Amenity - create a better place for people
- Biodiversity - create a better place for nature