1. Implementing a water conservation plan for Georgia golf course superintendents Clint Waltz, Ph.D. Extension Turfgrass Specialist The University of Georgia Clint Waltz, Ph.D. Extension Turfgrass Specialist The University of Georgia

2. Questions? With time answers may change, but the questions remain the same!

3. Questions? What is Georgia’s average annual rainfall? 45- to 70-inches per year 58-inches – good estimate not evenly distributed What is Georgia’s average annual rainfall? 45- to 70-inches per year 58-inches – good estimate not evenly distributed

4. Questions? What is Georgia’s population? 8.3 million  increase by 1 million 4.3 million in Atlanta MSA  20 counties  52% of states residents - 2002  54% growth - 1990 to 2002 What is Georgia’s population? 8.3 million  increase by 1 million 4.3 million in Atlanta MSA  20 counties  52% of states residents - 2002  54% growth - 1990 to 2002

5. Questions? Where does Atlanta get its water? Chattahoochee River Basin  Drinking Water = 70%  smallest watershed to supply metropolitan city in the U.S. Origin for 12 of 14 watersheds Where does Atlanta get its water? Chattahoochee River Basin  Drinking Water = 70%  smallest watershed to supply metropolitan city in the U.S. Origin for 12 of 14 watersheds

6. Questions? Why is this important? Taxing a static system  Public health  Continued growth  Natural resources  Enhance quality of life Why is this important? Taxing a static system  Public health  Continued growth  Natural resources  Enhance quality of life

7. Questions? Currently, what is the most important environmental issue confronting the turfgrass industry? Water Conservation Currently, what is the most important environmental issue confronting the turfgrass industry? Water Conservation

8. Questions? Is turfgrass just a “quality of life” and aesthetics issue? Not at all  important environmental function  sociological function  safety function  Inappropriately considered as “nonessential” Is turfgrass just a “quality of life” and aesthetics issue? Not at all  important environmental function  sociological function  safety function  Inappropriately considered as “nonessential”

9. Questions? Why use a BMPs approach? Prior success - Pesticide & nutrient fate Science-based Holistic / systems approach Site-specific Integrates new technology Why use a BMPs approach? Prior success - Pesticide & nutrient fate Science-based Holistic / systems approach Site-specific Integrates new technology

10. Questions? Are Georgia’s GC superintendents working toward implementing BMPs? Yes  Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)  DNR-EPD  Develop BMPs for individual golf courses  75% of member golf clubs  3-years – May 14, 2007 Are Georgia’s GC superintendents working toward implementing BMPs? Yes  Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)  DNR-EPD  Develop BMPs for individual golf courses  75% of member golf clubs  3-years – May 14, 2007

11. Questions? What are the potential outcomes of the MOA? Alterations for outdoor water rules Flexibility to manage irrigation water Transcend into other areas of turfgrass Improved water conservation Demonstrate stewardship & good faith What are the potential outcomes of the MOA? Alterations for outdoor water rules Flexibility to manage irrigation water Transcend into other areas of turfgrass Improved water conservation Demonstrate stewardship & good faith

12. Questions? Related to turfgrass, what are the tenets of BMPs for water conservation? Plant selection & adaptation Turfgrass management Irrigation adjustments based on the soil- plant-atmospheric system Related to turfgrass, what are the tenets of BMPs for water conservation? Plant selection & adaptation Turfgrass management Irrigation adjustments based on the soil- plant-atmospheric system

13. Questions? What are some examples of specific BMPs?  Site assessment (grasses, soils, microclimates)  Irrigation audit (uniformity & water alternatives)  Proper cultural practices (agronomics)  Irrigation guidance (ET, sensors)  Improving rootzone  Planning for future water needs  Identify opportunities to reduce water use  Continued education What are some examples of specific BMPs?  Site assessment (grasses, soils, microclimates)  Irrigation audit (uniformity & water alternatives)  Proper cultural practices (agronomics)  Irrigation guidance (ET, sensors)  Improving rootzone  Planning for future water needs  Identify opportunities to reduce water use  Continued education

14. Questions? How can the industry do more? Build awareness  Education  Professionalism  Stewardship  Get involved How can the industry do more? Build awareness  Education  Professionalism  Stewardship  Get involved

15. Questions? How does the turfgrass industry change its image and accentuate the benefits? Communication Continued stewardship Continued education Sound science Best Management Practices (BMPs) How does the turfgrass industry change its image and accentuate the benefits? Communication Continued stewardship Continued education Sound science Best Management Practices (BMPs)

16. N. Ga. Turfgrass Field Day – May 24 UGA Turfgrass Field Day – August 15 GSPA Field Day – November 1 Turfgrass Institute – December 5 & 6 N. Ga. Turfgrass Field Day – May 24 UGA Turfgrass Field Day – August 15 GSPA Field Day – November 1 Turfgrass Institute – December 5 & 6 Important Dates in 2006

17. Thank You Visit WWW.Georgiaturf.com and WWW.Turfgrasswater.com