Golf Course Irrigation System Update
July 24, 2020
The golf course irrigation system was completely replaced in 1996 and has started to show signs of failing over the past few years. Leaky irrigation heads, cracked pipe fittings and failing controllers have been some of the largest problems that, Mark Louder, our maintenance superintendent has had to deal with. Consistent with our Board Principles to preserve and protect our community owned facilities, the time has come to refurbish and improve the system.
At the July 7th Board meeting a comprehensive power point presentation was given identifying those items and more (view presentation). Two inefficient pump stations and a weather station that has been out of service for some time were also identified. Those items along with wasted water and wasted electricity costs were large factors that drove the Green Committee to research a new system.
The proposed new system will allow us many more options and provide us with the flexibility to expand our system with minimal costs. With all new lateral piping the irrigation heads will be relocated for maximum coverage and that, by itself, will save us 8% of our water bills.
Sensors in the ground monitored by the master computer will allow for maximum efficiency in the different micro climates around the golf course. These sensors will monitor moisture, salinity and temperature which will give valuable information to Mark for his daily irrigation plan.
The presentation identified a projected savings of $198,000 annually which should give an 8% return on investment for the $1.6 million dollar project which will be paid for out of our repair and replacement fund. The Board of Directors voted at the July 7th Board meeting unanimously to approve the entire project in concept and authorized the expenditure for complete engineering and design for the project. View the Resolution that was passed.
The design phase is moving forward and the balance of the project will be approached in multiple phases over a one to three year schedule.
