A Money-saving, Innovative Use of Water

When golfers hit over the pond on hole number two at the Pine Hollow Golf Club, they have no idea that they're going by a virtually never-ending supply of water that will keep the entire course green, even in the worst drought.

When other golf courses have run out of irrigation water, this one will still be lush and green because of this always full pond. But it isn't magic. There's an underground pipeline bringing treated wastewater to the pond from the water reclamation plant here in town---all the water the golf course can use.

“It's a success story for both of us,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “The golf course gets a dependable source of irrigation water, and we get to pump it there instead of discharging it back into the the nutrient sensitive Neuse River. The savings in the futrure cost of treatment facilities coupled with the amount the course will pay us, the town will make out quite well financially and help out the environment in a big way, too. Now, that's an innovative use of resources!”

The Public Works Department began sending water from the Little Creek Water Reclamation Facility on Durham Street to the golf course in April. The water, which is high in nitrogen, is clean and safe and perfect for irrigation. Plant Superintendent James Warren says the water has been treated to the 98 or 99 percent of drinking water level and “ultra filtered.”

Sending it to the golf course instead of the river will save the town between $2 million and $3 million over the next 30 years. Building the pipeline and making necessary adjustments at the plant cost $1.28 million, but most of that was paid through a grant from the Clear Water Revolving Fund.

“The golf course wants to use about 54 million gallons a year, which is a lot of water they won't have to get somewhere else,” the Mayor said. It's a great deal for them, a great deal for us and saves a lot of potable water for drinking and business uses.”

The town is considering similar projects at local parks, schools and even residential areas.