In reopening the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, the The Oro Valley Town Council committed to use drinking water to irrigate the course; enough drinking water to supply 400 plus single family homes. The commitment was made at a time when the Western US is facing a long-term drought, so severe that CAP water is now under a Level 1 restriction with a higher level restriction expected in the near future.
What to do is complicated
To date, we know of no action the council has taken to reduce the total drinking water use on this course. The council summarily dismissed the idea of bringing reclaimed water to the Pusch Ridge Golf Course. That would cost $4 million. The council has mentioned the idea of turf reduction. However, there are no announced plans.
Enter into this situation, "Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf". As we wrote yesterday, they are working with the town to create an economically viable entity. The also understand the need to do something about the drinking water used.
Here are their thoughts, as presented by spokesperson Tony D'Angelo.
"Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf is very mindful of this challenge and the fact Pusch Ridge Golf currently uses potable water. At this point Oro Valley Water has offered no challenge to the golf course’s water use plan for this season. If and when more restrictive water limitations are imposed, our group will support whatever actions the town water authority believes are necessary to protect the town’s water supply."
"We do recognize that this use of water today may impact what is required sometime in the future to sustain resident families. Therefore, all we can do is work as hard as we can to get the most benefit from the water used to green the golf course and produce income. We believe we are doing this by working to make sure the amount of play and revenues generated provide a reasonable return on investment. The town council authorized three years of operation to see if it can be a true value to the town. We know the pressure is on. This first year is all about proving the course can be a net benefit to the town."
Sees turf reduction in non playable areas
"Assuming we are successful this season, we hope to work with the town before it reopens next year on plans to reduce turf in non-playable areas and therefore reduce water requirements. We hope to continue to grow the numbers of Friends of Pusch Ridge and offer financial support to the town beyond what the three HOA’s surrounding the course have committed to provide to tackle this challenge."
Ultimately, we have to find a way to get off potable water.
"It is unfortunate that when the state, years ago required golf courses to use reclaimed water, Oro Valley sought and received a waiver from the requirement for Pusch Ridge. Now the costs to do so are greater. Everyone in town has to be more creative in solving this challenge. The easy answer seems to be to just close down golf courses. The impact on the quality of life and the economics of such a decision seem to deserve we explore other options first.
We believe there are solutions out there
We just hope people and circumstances with the drought give us time to find a good one. Oro Valley is a great community that does deserve to excel. Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf sincerely wants to contribute to the town’s continued growth and sustainability."
