Brooks/Iowa DNR Water Use Plan

The Iowa GCSA worked collaboratively with the Iowa DNR in establishing a uniform Water Use Reduction Plan for Golf Courses in the late 1980’s and recently updated this plan in the Spring of 2013.  In comparing the Brooks original draft the Iowa DNR felt this plan based on 3 water reduction levels would be easier to monitor while still providing a solid platform for water reduction during times of drought.  Brooks plan is below for comparison.

A cooperative effort between the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Water Supply Division.

Should the State of Iowa deem it necessary to regulate the volume of water used by the golf courses within its boundary, the following document will be used to facilitate compliance by the industry.  The following 3 levels are established to implement water usage measures dependent upon the severity of the situation.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water Use Permit #5558-R4

Effective 10/13/2009 – 10/12/2019

Permittee is authorized to withdraw water from East Okoboji Lake in the maximum quantity of 200 acre feet per year at a maximum total rate of 750 gallons per minute and from one Dakota Sandstone well, about 485 feet deep, in the maximum total quantity of 60 acre feet per year at a maximum rate of 300 gallons per minute for temporary storage in ponds with a total surface area of about 1 ¼ acre. Withdrawal from said ponds shall not exceed the maximum total quantity of 260 acre feet per year at a maximum total rate of 1,650 gallons per minute.

Permittee shall submit to the department within 90 days of being notified by the department a plan for implementing day-to-day water conservation measures and for implementing emergency water conservation measures during periods of water shortage.

Level One: Mandatory Water Restriction:

Water may be withdrawn at an average daily rate that does not exceed 85% of the calendar month basis quantity as measured in gallons or acre feet.  The basis quantity shall be determined for each calendar month as follows:

Metered water use for the same calendar month, for each of the 5 years previous to submittal of the plan to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Water Supply Division, shall be averaged.

• April: Previous 5 year average 1 acre foot X 85% = .85 acre feet
• May: Previous 5 year average 5.69 acre foot X 85% = 4.84 acre feet
• June: Previous 5 year average 9.04 acre foot X 85% = 7.68 acre feet
• July: Previous 5 year average 15.75 acre foot X 85% = 13.39 acre feet
• August: Previous 5 year average 15 acre foot X 85% = 12.75 acre feet
• September: Previous 5 year average 10.74 acre foot X 85% = 9.13 acre feet
• October: Previous 5 year average 6.94 acre foot X 85% = 5.9 acre feet

 

Level Two: Mandatory Water Restriction:

Water may be withdrawn at an average daily rate that does not exceed 70% of the calendar month basis quantity as measured in gallons or acre feet.  The basis quantity shall be determined for each calendar month as follows:

Metered water use for the same calendar month, for each of the 5 years previous to submittal of the plan to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Water Supply Division, shall be averaged.

• April: Previous 5 year average 1 acre foot X 70% = .7 acre feet
• May: Previous 5 year average 5.69 acre foot X 70% = 3.98 acre feet
• June: Previous 5 year average 9.04 acre foot X 70% = 6.33 acre feet
• July: Previous 5 year average 15.75 acre foot X 70% = 11.03 acre feet
• August: Previous 5 year average 15 acre foot X 70% = 10.5 acre feet
• September: Previous 5 year average 10.74 acre foot X 70% = 7.52 acre feet
• October: Previous 5 year average 6.94 acre foot X 70% = 4.86 acre feet

 

Level Three: Mandatory Water Restriction:

Water may be withdrawn at an average daily rate that does not exceed 50% of the calendar month basis quantity as measured in gallons or acre feet.  The basis quantity shall be determined for each calendar month as follows:

Metered water use for the same calendar month, for each of the 5 years previous to submittal of the plan to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Water Supply Division, shall be averaged.

• April: Previous 5 year average 1 acre foot X 50% = .5 acre feet
• May: Previous 5 year average 5.69 acre foot X 50% = 2.85 acre feet
• June: Previous 5 year average 9.04 acre foot X 50% = 4.52 acre feet
• July: Previous 5 year average 15.75 acre foot X 50% = 7.88 acre feet
• August: Previous 5 year average 15 acre foot X 50% = 7.5 acre feet
• September: Previous 5 year average 10.74 acre foot X 50% = 5.37 acre feet
• October: Previous 5 year average 6.94 acre foot X 50% = 3.47 acre feet

Restrictions will be applied only to that water used for the purpose of turfgrass maintenance.

Meters and records shall be made available for inspection by representatives of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or local law enforcement agency at all times.

 Irrigation Best Management Practices

1. Visually inspect all irrigation system components for wear and leaks
2. Utilize proper cultural practices that encourage vertical water movement
3. Clean off equipment with pressurized air instead of water
4. Utilize wetting agents to maximize the effectiveness of the water that is applied
5. Utilize more hand watering rather than turning on irrigation heads

Computerized Irrigation System Management

Brooks operates a Toro SitePro Central computerized irrigation system that enables us to make daily changes to site specific watering areas on the golf course with the click of a mouse.  This technology allows us to incorporate percentage reductions quick and easy.

All sources of water are vital during a drought and we will show restraint during these times to demonstrate responsible resource management. Golfers may see a reduction in course conditions when the drought contingency plan is enacted.  Please contact Brett Hetland, CGCS for more information at (712) 332-2675.