Water Savings and wash-off: Minchinhampton Golf Club has three exceptional golf courses, all of which are renowned for their year-round immaculate presentation and excellent drainage.

Keeping all courses in such condition involves a dedicated team of greenkeepers and an expanding fleet of machinery and kit. Course Manager, Adam Matthews, can be justifiably proud of his team’s achievements. However aware of the impact on the environment that washing off so many machines could have, his and the club’s attention focused to address the issue. Two matters were of important consideration: 1) The conservation of water and obligation to sustainability  and 2) Prevent pollution of the ground water ensuring compliance with current Groundwater Regulations. Adam believed that a new wash-off facility with water recycling was the only way forward and researched suitable solutions.

Water Savings and wash-off

A ClearWater washpad recycling system from Acumen Waste Services looked to be the ideal solution to him and a site meeting was arranged. Following this visit by the company, specifications were drawn up and a quotation provided.

As there is a rather large fleet to maintain, a larger dedicated washpad was agreed upon and, instead of a 5000-litre standard system, one of ClearWater’s 10,000 litre capacity recycling systems with a four-hose wash-off facility was agreed upon and an order was placed. ClearWater’s Matthew Mears explained: “With sustainability being a major factor in business thoughts and multiple machine washing at one time, ClearWater’s 10,000 litre (2640 gallon) capacity is more than adequate and also allows greater dwell-time for the biological treatment.” Minchinhampton chose a turnkey package quoted by Acumen ClearWater and all work was carried out within a week schedule.

So, what made ClearWater the choice for the club? The club takes their environmental responsibilities seriously and sustainability is a major concern, so a compliant washpad and water savings became a must. Adam Matthews said; “ClearWater fitted the bill! It’s great to ensure we are doing our bit for sustainability and efficient wash-off” ClearWater does provide certain advantages over other solutions however: The system is located adjacent to one of the fairways and, as ClearWater is a below ground system is most unobtrusive, just turret tops at ground level may be visible! There’s no noise either, all you will hear is the washwater jet leaving the water guns! Also, the system recycles treated water with very little loss, as the dedicated washpad with it low curb surround is constructed in such a way as the waste wash water is discharged through grass traps and into the underground tank by gravity for treatment. Naturally, some water loss will occur through evaporation, particularly in hot weather. However, the system is topped up by rainwater falling on the washpad (not an uncommon site these days!); sustainability at its best and at no cost!

Machinery wash-off for many has clearly demonstrated huge water consumption and wastage for many years at an ever-increasing cost, financially and environmentally. Water has become an increasingly valuable resource. Washpad water recycling is the way forward for those in the turfcare maintenance sector and other business needing wash off. With water savings in excess of 90% possible, sustainability really does then become a meaningful word!

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