Page 4166 - Week 13 - Thursday, 6 December 2007
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(1) (c) The total amount billed for potable water to the six metered golf clubs in 2006-07 was $518,000.
Golf clubs paid $15,832 for ground water (through the water abstraction charge) in 2006 (calendar year). There were no payments for surface water.
(2) Water management plans are not required for golf courses using non-potable water. However, under the Water Resources Act 2007, Disallowable Instrument DI2007-194, all existing and new applications for non-potable water are assessed under this instrument to ensure the efficient use of ACT water resources and, in particular, to minimise wastage.
Under the ACT’s Water Restrictions Scheme, those golf clubs managing lawns and plants using potable water are required to meet a 35 per cent reduction in water use under the current Stage 3 Water Restrictions.
I am advised that ACTEW has requested golf clubs to submit strategic water conservation plans demonstrating a 35 per cent reduction in 2006 07 in usage against the equivalent season in 2005-06. In addition to the required percentage reduction, ACTEW requested the golf clubs limit irrigation during the hours 10am-6pm.
To encourage long-term water savings on these sites, and to assist the clubs that rely on potable water increase their turf’s chance of survival should Stage 4 Water Restrictions be introduced, ACTEW is currently offering golf clubs exemptions to convert to water efficient warm season grasses, such as Couch. ACTEW advises that several clubs have taken up the offer.
Under possible Stage 4 (Tier 1) Water Restrictions, Golf clubs and their peak body, ACT District Golf Association, have been advised that ACTEW intends to provide a limited exemption, which would only allow the irrigation of greens with potable water.
Should full Stage 4 (Tier 2) be required, golf courses will only be able to irrigate using non-potable water.
(3) All mains water use (potable water) is subject to the Utilities Act 2000 and thus must comply with water restrictions unless exempt by ACTEW. Non-potable water is not subject to the Utilities Act 2000 and is not required to comply with water restrictions.
However, non potable water users are required to meet their annual licence volume under the Water Resources Act, 2007 (as previously mentioned in question 2).
ACTEW monitors the potable water consumption quarterly and has recently carried out a process of updating the status of the grass conversions and percentage use of potable water at ACT golf clubs.
Due to reducing yields from onsite bores and dams, a number of golf courses have increased their reliance of potable water, but are asked to overall meet their 35 per cent target reduction.
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