Intergovernmental cooperation nets
"free" water for golf course

The Bensenville Park District uses the village's sewage effluent water to irrigate its 36-hole facility.

By Michael B. Walger

White Pines Golf Course, owned and operated by the Bensenville Park District, is a 36-hole facility which derives its irrigation needs by utilizing sewage effluent water. The system, which includes 1.5 miles of 10-inch forced main piping, has been in operation since 1978 and has yielded more than two billion gallons of "free" water since its inception.

Addressing a problem

During the middle 1970s, a water shortage from deep well supplies became a major concern for the district. A consistent water supply was necessary to accommodate a reconstruction plan that would ultimately produce a central core clubhouse and an improved irrigation system, including watered fairways.

At that time the Village of Bensenville was upgrading its waste-water treatment facilities. Through intergovernmental cooperation, an agreement was reached whereby the effluent water produced could be utilized for irrigation purposes on the district's golf course without charge.

The cost for installing two 355 gallons per minute trash pumps and necessary piping was $140,000. Electrical pumping charges amounted to approximately $1,700 for the 1984 golf season.

This cooperative irrigation system has yielded more than two billion gallons of free water since 1978.

Pros and cons

Contrary to popular belief, fertility values are low (.2 parts per million ammonia nitrogen), but water hardness is in the 250-300 range, causing minor problems with sprinkler nozzle clogging. It has also been necessary to regularly add calcium sulfate to counteract sodium buildup.

A great deal of time and effort went toward securing easements and permits for operating a spray irrigation system from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the project implementation. However, when compared to water purchases or the cost amortization of well drilling and maintenance, it's obvious that the utilization of sewage effluent water for irrigation can be most effective.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael B. Walger is the superintendent of golf operations at the Bensenville Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 14 March/April 1987