Water restrictions put golf clubs in the rough

Golf clubs say courses have taken strain because of the water restrictions. Picture: Cindy Waxa

Golf clubs say courses have taken strain because of the water restrictions. Picture: Cindy Waxa

Published Jan 23, 2017

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Cape Town - While the City of Cape Town considers tighter water restrictions, golf clubs say they have taken strain as the drought begins to bite.

Cape Town’s mayoral committee has recommended the implementation of level 3B water restrictions by council, in the wake of diminishing dam levels and usage above daily targets.

Milnerton Golf Course employee Martinus Jacobs said the course had taken major strain during the hot months.

“We are following the regulations and watering at the prescribed times, and because we cannot water it as much as we used to, the course has taken strain. Our groundsman has been using recycled or gray water to assist in the upkeep as we hope for the best in the rainy seasons,” said Jacobs.

The River Club golf course in Observatory has access to a borehole and received an exemption from the City, said course operations manager Justin Bekker.

“We don’t make use of the borehole as it would take a significant cash injection to fix the equipment. There is also water available from the Liesbeeck River, as it’s not suitable for human consumption.”

Bekker said their concern was that the river’s level was extremely low and it may be empty in a matter of weeks.

With dams running empty and less than 100 days of water stocks, many residents are informing on excessive use by their neighbours.

Read also:  Rand Water cuts supply as drought bites

Sarah Morris, who lives in a flat in upper Wynberg, told of a neighbour’s disregard for the restrictions. “He continues to heavily water plants and grass despite us asking him not to because of the restrictions,” she said.

Leigh Douglas from Somerset West informed on De Velde Estate using a sprinkler system at midday.

A person requesting anonymity informed on Star Alarms security company’s wasting water.

“The company uses multiple vehicles for technicians and armed response. About 10 vehicles get washed twice a week, excluding the employers’ three cars and three other managers’ cars. And in light of the water restrictions, I feel that something must be said,” the person wrote.

To report report contraventions e-mail [email protected].

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