UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between UGA CAES and UGA FACS.
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Our Impact
BMPs (Best Management Practices) are the best means to address water conservation on a long-term, sustainable basis. Restrictions on outdoor water use have been a primary focus of regulatory and water purveyors for conservation efforts. Turfgrass and landscape businesses have been adversely affected. Outdoor water use guidelines adopted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Environmental Protection Division provide a framework for managing Georgia's water resources. UGA crop and soil scientists were instrumental in preparing DNR's statewide water conservation implementation plan. Golf courses are the only specific industry listed in the WCIP, others are more broad in scope. The WCIP is an aspirational document to direct how the golf course industry will work toward water conservation between 2009 and 2020. The plan sets forth goals and milestones to ensure water conservation on site-specific circumstances. It was developed as a collaborative effort between the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association and a UGA scientist. The document was completed and adopted in 2009. A DNR Administrative Order in 2009 signaled a regulatory acceptance of the BMPs approach to water conservation, and allowed golf course superintendent to use water impounded on their golf course for the purpose it was intended -- irrigation. Most importantly, it allowed superintendents to more efficiently manage their water resources compared to the previous restrictive and inefficient regulations.
