San Antonio, Texas, relies exclusively on groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer to
supply its drinking water needs. Unfortunately, the Edwards Aquifer has reached a
point where demands for pumping and spring flows cannot be met from historical
recharge. As a result, using existing resources wisely, enhancing the Edwards
Aquifer, and developing new water resources are critical to the continued
progress and prosperity of San Antonio. This paper describes a Turf Study to be
conducted by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), the primary objective of which
is to evaluate the effects of recycled water use for irrigation of golf courses.
A secondary objective of the study is to provide a demonstration site for golf
course personnel and San Antonio residents to educate themselves on the proper
application of recycled water to different types of turf. Specific chemical
constituents will be monitored using lysimeters at different depths within the
soil substrate to determine their levels. Other parameters will be monitored as
well, such as turf aesthetics, vitality and soil nutrient levels. Includes 7 references, tables, figures.