Can greenkeepers still use hosepipes? Here are the rules

BIGGA has worked with water bodies, national government and other organisations within golf to discuss the continued use of hosepipes for golf course maintenance.

 

July 2022 was the driest in over 100 years in the United Kingdom, with only about 25% of the expected rainfall recorded. The ongoing warm weather in the country followed the driest winter and spring since the 1970s.

As a result, some local temporary use bans (TUBS) are being introduced.

BIGGA is in regular discussions with England Golf and the Golf Club Managers Association with regard to the ongoing situation. The England Golf Sustainability Team has spoken directly to the water boards in question, who have clarified their restrictions, as detailed below:

Hampshire and Isle of Wight - Southern Water

• TUB effective from Friday 5 August
• The water board has followed the statutory exemption for golf courses meaning that, on health & safety grounds, sports turf used for recreation can be irrigated. This only applies to 'in play' areas, which are defined as greens, tees and fairways only.
• The water board has requested golf clubs 'be considerate' with their water usage, such as by avoiding peak times of 8am-10am and 4pm-10pm, but there aren't, as yet, any further restrictions.
• For more information visit www.southernwater.co.uk

Kent and Sussex - South East Water

• TUB effective from Friday 12 August.
• The water board said that on health and safety grounds 'in play' sports turf used for recreational purposes can be irrigated. Irrigation is only permitted on 'in play' areas, which are defined as greens, tees and fairways only.
• There are some time restrictions and irrigation cannot take place between 8am-10am and 5pm-9pm.
• For more information visit www.southeastwater.co.uk
• The water board is reviewing the situation every five days to see if adjustments to this policy are required. 

Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire - Wales Water

• TUB effective from 8am on Friday 19 August
• The water board has followed the statutory exemption for golf courses meaning that on health & safety grounds, sports turf used for recreation can be irrigated. This only applies to 'active strip/playing areas', which is defined as greens, tees and fairways only
• For more information visit www.dwrcymru.com/en

South West Water 

• introduced a ban in Cornwall and parts of north Devon on 23 August

Thames Water 

• imposed a ban affecting 10 million customers across the south of England on 24 August

Yorkshire Water 

• introduced a ban on 26 August

Please note that these restrictions are all subject to change and that golf clubs should continuously monitor water board websites for up-to-date information.

Golf clubs have been asked by the water boards to be considerate with water use and only use what is necessary to keep the plant alive, in areas of play that could be deemed a health and safety risk if left unwatered.

BIGGA continues to work the England Golf and the Golf Club Managers Association to monitor the situation.