Water is becoming one of the defining sustainability issues for golf in England, and England Golf has issued advice to clubs across the country on the importance of responsible water use.
With prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures and increasing pressure on national water supplies, golf clubs are facing both regulatory requirements and a moral responsibility to manage water with care.
As of August 10, around 71% of England is experiencing drought conditions, according to BBC News, and many clubs are already operating under Temporary Use Bans (TUBs or hosepipe bans) that restrict how mains water can be used on the course.
Temporary Use Bans apply to golf courses. Under a TUB, restrictions cover sporting grounds, recreational facilities and golf courses limit the use of mains potable water to only the most essential playing areas.
In short, use of mains water on greens and teeing areas is allowed under a TUB, while watering other areas – such as fairways, approaches, rough, ornamental grass around the clubhouse, or landscaping and decorative planting – is not allowed.
The wording may vary slightly by water company, but the principle is consistent – mains water must be used sparingly and only where absolutely necessary. Clubs should check their local supplier’s guidance regularly as restrictions can change quickly.
While England currently has no active Non Essential Use Bans (NEUBs), these tighter restrictions are being considered in some regions. Clubs should prepare now for the possibility of further limitations. BIGGA has also urged clubs to stay in close contact with their water suppliers and prepare for disruption, reinforcing the need for proactive planning.
The pressure on water resources is not only seasonal – it is structural. Under The Environmental Targets (Water) (England) Regulations 2023, England has legally binding national water targets designed to reduce pressure on public supply.
Key targets include a 20% reduction in water put into public supply by 2038, and a 9% reduction in total business water consumption by 2038, with a 15% reduction by 2050. Golf clubs, as part of the wider business community, must play their part in meeting these targets.
England Golf has placed water at the heart of its Sustainability Drive 2025–2030, identifying it as one of three priority areas for the sport. The shared goal is clear – to move the sport towards long-term water resilience.
Earlier this year, England Golf published its Water Security Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help clubs assess their current water use, plan for future restrictions, and explore alternative water sources such as boreholes, reservoirs and rainwater harvesting.
The R&A’s Golf Course Water 2030 initiative provides further guidance, case studies, and examples of innovation from across the UK and beyond.
While some Environment Agency specifics are still awaiting sign off, clubs can already act on the core principles – use mains water only where permitted, reduce consumption wherever possible, plan for alternative water sources, and communicate clearly with golfers about course conditions and restrictions.
