Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
water-distribution systems, but the water is controlled by municipal
government and may be restricted at the time of the highest demand.
In times of drought, delivery of water to households for human con-
sumption will always have priority over turfs and landscapes, so access
to an independent water source is highly advantageous. The most com-
mon independent sources of water for irrigation are wells, lakes, reser-
voirs, ponds, streams and rivers (Fig. 7.4). Although access to streams
and rivers is sometimes regulated by local governments, ponds or lakes,
if located on property controlled by the turf manager, provide the most
independent water source. Artificial ponds should be constructed small
and deep rather than large and shallow and should hold enough water
for an extended period of drought. They should be located at the lowest
point on the property and recharged from surface drainage or possibly
some other source such as natural springs.
Wells provide an excellent water source. The initial cost of develop-
ing a well for a large turf area is quite high. Deep wells require large,
high-quality pumps and ongoing maintenance to be dependable, but the
investment usually pays off quickly. Note, however, that some govern-
ments, especially in desert areas, restrict the amount of water that can be
pumped out or may restrict the depth of the well.
Streams and rivers are good sources of water if access is unrestricted.
Minimum annual flow must be determined, and the flow must exceed
the maximum amount of water that is required for irrigation. Besides
average minimum flow, at least a 10-year history should be examined,
because in dry climates streams and rivers occasionally dry out. If such a
danger exists, other water sources should be secured for irrigation of at
least the most valuable turfs, such as golf greens and tees.
Fig. 7.4. Ponds on golf courses or in parks can store a considerable amount of water.
