Most people believe that golf courses do nothing but guzzle water, but experts say that during the rainy season, the green grass on the courses actually helps replenish the county's drinking water supply. Golf courses use 2 to 3 percent of South Florida's water each year. But during heavy rains such as those that happened in May and June, those courses can give back close to 15 times the total drinking water used in those two months.

Golf courses help replenish drinking water in the aquifer

July 15, 2013

Most people believe that golf courses do nothing but guzzle water, but experts say that during the rainy season, the green grass on the courses actually helps replenish the county’s drinking water supply. Golf courses use 2 to 3 percent of South Florida’s water each year. But during heavy rains such as those that happened in May and June, those courses can give back close to 15 times the total drinking water used in those two months.

“Golf courses and their open space are important to recharging the aquifer,” said Mark Elsner, water supply administrator at the South Florida Water Management District.