Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality monitoring can be used to determine whether outside events are changing the water quality entering the golf course, or whether the golf course is having a positive, neutral, or negative effect on water quality. It also provides a body of evidence of the golf course’s environmental impact. The number of samples per course is highly variable and depends on the size, location, and number of water sources on or near the golf course. The entry and exit points of golf course water sources are logical sampling points. However, sampling and analysis of standing water sources (ponds and lakes), springs, and any other irrigation sources should also be conducted. For golf courses in the planning stage, baseline water quality levels should be measured prior to construction at points of entry and exit of flowing water sources on or surrounding the golf course and on any surface water. This information can be used to form a baseline of flow and nutrient/chemical levels. For established courses, ongoing, routine water sampling provides meaningful trends over time. A single sample is rarely meaningful in isolation.

Figure 19. Collecting a water quality sample at Baltimore Country Club. Photo credit: Mark Jones.

Sampling parameters are based on golf course operation and basin-specific parameters of concern, such as TMDLs. Typically, samples should be analyzed for nutrients, pH and alkalinity, sediments, and suspended solids; additional analysis can include DO, heavy metals, and any pesticides used on the golf course. Samples should be analyzed by a certified laboratory and all quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures must be followed. Golf course

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