Huge irrigation fix OK’d

In what appeared to be a well-justified decision for the Canyon Lake POA Board of Directors, a $1.6 million project to completely replace the golf course irrigation system was unanimously approved. A detailed presentation by POA Maintenance Superintendent Mark Louder pointed out that the significant project will be repaid in only eight years after projected annual savings of $198,000 with a new system are taken into consideration.

The golf course irrigation system, which was completely replaced in 1996, has been showing signs of failing over the past few years. Leaky irrigation heads, cracked pipe fittings and failing controllers have been some of the largest problems, Mark said. Two inefficient pump stations and a weather station that has been out of service for some time also need replacing.

Lateral pipes run throughout the golf course to irrigate and keep the grass green. All pipes will be replaced with new pipes and properly-spaced sprinkler heads. A new computer and supporting sensors will also aid in proper irrigation, saving thousands of dollars a month from what is being paid now. Photo provided by Canyon Lake POA

The funds for the $1.6 million dollar project will be paid out of the repair and replacement fund. The Board of Directors voted to approve the entire project in concept and authorized the expenditure for complete engineering and design for the project

The proposed new system will allow many more irrigation options and provide golf course staff with the flexibility to expand the system with minimal costs. All new lateral piping will be installed and the irrigation heads will be relocated for maximum coverage.

Sensors will be installed in the ground to send information to the master computer and will allow for maximum efficiency in the different microclimates around the golf course. These sensors will monitor moisture, salinity and temperature which will give valuable information to Mark for his daily irrigation plan.

With the current golf course irrigation system not functioning appropriately, areas of the course can be flooded by over watering.

Most of the savings will come from the resulting less water and electricity usage. Mark identified $88,000 in annual hard costs budget savings. Those savings include $40,000 in savings from uniformly distributing water, $20,000 in a functioning weather station helping to restrict water usage based on weather, $5,000 in reduced water loss, $11,000 in annual irrigation repairs and $12,000 in electricity from new pump stations.

Additionally, another $110,000 in projected savings and revenue is also anticipated. These savings will come from actual water saved, actual labor saved, increased play from improved course conditions, increased use of the restaurant from these additional golfers, more play time due to a reduced water window, expandable technology and improved communication from pump stations to the main irrigation computer.

Mark said that the project is justified and is consistent with the Board Principles to preserve and protect the community-owned facilities. The time has come, he said, to refurbish and improve the system. The design phase is moving forward and the balance of the project will be approached in multiple phases over a one- to three-year schedule.