Golf Course Irrigation Project
Project Complete!
The irrigation system at the Canyon Lake Golf Course was installed in 1996 with a typical useful life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Each year, the amount of time and money used to repair this aging irrigation system increases. Furthermore, newer irrigation systems are designed to be much more efficient. This recently completed project design identified a 14.6% savings in water, additional savings in power, along with a reduced annual maintenance cost for a total of an estimated $105,000 savings per year. The project will pay for itself within 17 years, assuming water prices stay at the current rates. However, projecting water rate increases, the payoff could be in as little as 12 years.
Project Scope
The project has a four-month timeline with a plan to close only one hole at a time for minimum disruption to play. The scope of work includes replacing the following items:
- Controllers
- Irrigation Heads
- Lateral Piping
- Main Pump Station
- Potable Pump Station & Pump Enclosure
- Soil Sensors
- Weather Station
- Communication Wiring
In identifying the Golf Course's irrigation failures, the main lines were found to be in good condition, with 15 to 20 years of life remaining.
Project Album
Project Background
Due to increasing system deterioration, an ad-hoc committee was developed in 2017 to identify the extent of the failures in the irrigation system and possible solutions. While the main lines were found to be in good condition, the remainder of the irrigation system was failing at an increasing pace. The Canyon Lake POA Board approved $87,000 in July 2020 to design a new irrigation system. The engineer's new design identifies a 14.6% savings in water, additional savings in power, along with a reduced annual maintenance cost for a total of an estimated $105,000 savings per year. There is also a potential for an increase in annual golf membership and Country Club revenue.
The design engineer released the Request For Proposal (RFP) for this project to golf course irrigation specialists in December 2020. The RFP included new lateral lines, irrigation control system, weather station, and replacing all irrigation heads. Four bids were received from reputable golf course irrigation contractors by January 15, 2021. The bids ranged from $1.56 to $2.06 million, with an additional $320,000 for two pump stations and soil sensors that were outside of the posted scope of work. Currently, there is a potential grant opportunity of $98,000.
Project Benefits
The project will pay for itself within 17 years, assuming water prices stay at the current rates. However, projecting water rate increases, the payoff could be in as little as 12.
Project Funding
At the Regular Session Board Meeting on February 9, 2021, the Canyon Lake POA Board approved funding in the amount of $1.88 million with an 8% contingency from the Repair & Reserve fund for this project.