{"id":24490,"date":"2026-04-07T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/?p=24490"},"modified":"2026-10-12T22:52:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T22:52:39","slug":"irrigation-reservoirs-golf-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/irrigation-reservoirs-golf-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Irrigation Reservoirs in Golf: 6 Keys to Management"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Poppins:wght@500;600;700&family=Roboto:wght@400;500;700&display=swap\");\n.tgb{font:17px\/1.65 Roboto,sans-serif;color:#333}.tgb h2{font:700 25px\/1.2 Poppins,sans-serif;color:#00505F;margin:1.9em 0 .6em;padding-bottom:.35em;border-bottom:1px solid #BCD9DC}.tgb a{color:#00505F;text-underline-offset:3px}\n.tgb .info{width:100%;height:auto;margin:1.6em 0;display:block}.tgb .svg-bg{fill:#F2FAFA}.tgb .svg-dark{fill:#00505F}.tgb .svg-card{fill:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}.tgb .svg-t{font:700 20px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#00505F}.tgb .svg-tw{font:700 20px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#fff}\n.tgb .svg-line{stroke:#BCD9DC;stroke-width:2}.tgb .svg-line2{stroke:#00F4F4;stroke-width:2}.tgb .svg-hex{fill:#008092}.tgb .svg-hex2{fill:#00F4F4}.tgb .svg-n{font:700 16px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#fff}.tgb .svg-n2{font:700 16px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#0B2E35}.tgb .svg-i{font:400 16px Roboto,sans-serif;fill:#333}.tgb .svg-c{font:400 15px Roboto,sans-serif;fill:#fff}\n.tgb figure{margin:1.6em 0}.tgb .scene{width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;display:block;border-radius:10px}.tgb figcaption{font-size:13px;color:#55666B;margin-top:6px}\n.tgb .faq{border:1px solid #BCD9DC;border-radius:10px;margin:.6em 0;padding:.2em 1em;background:#fff}.tgb .faq summary{cursor:pointer;font:600 16px Poppins,sans-serif;padding:.6em 0;color:#00505F}\n.tgb .cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#008092,#00505F);color:#fff;border-radius:10px;padding:28px 30px;margin:2.2em 0}.tgb .cta h3{color:#fff;margin-top:0;font:600 22px Poppins,sans-serif}.tgb .cta p{margin:.4em 0;color:#fff}.tgb .btn{display:inline-block;margin-top:14px;background:#00F4F4;color:#0B2E35!important;text-decoration:none;font:700 15px Roboto,sans-serif;padding:12px 28px;border-radius:99px}\n.tgb .rel{padding-left:1.1em}.tgb .rel span{display:block;font-size:14px;color:#55666B}.tgb .src{font-size:15px;color:#55666B}\n.tgb .ph{margin:1.8em 0}.tgb .ph img{width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;display:block;border-radius:10px}\n.tg-float{position:fixed;left:0;top:50%;z-index:9999;transform:translateY(-50%);writing-mode:vertical-rl;transform-origin:center;rotate:180deg;background:#00F4F4;color:#0B2E35!important;font:700 14px Poppins,sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;text-decoration:none!important;padding:20px 11px;border-radius:0 12px 12px 0;box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(0,80,95,.35);transition:padding .2s,background .2s}\n.tg-float:hover{background:#3EF9DA;padding-left:16px}\n@media(max-width:767px){.tg-float{writing-mode:horizontal-tb;rotate:0deg;left:50%;top:auto;bottom:14px;transform:translateX(-50%);border-radius:99px;padding:13px 26px;letter-spacing:.06em;font-size:13px;white-space:nowrap}.tg-float:hover{padding:13px 26px}}<\/style><div class=\"tgb\"><a class=\"tg-float\" href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/#demo\">Request a demo<\/a><p>When the heat arrives, the whole course depends on an infrastructure that almost nobody looks at: the irrigation reservoirs. If the level drops more than expected, if the water fills with algae or if a bank gives way, the problem stops being technical and becomes a problem for the entire course.<\/p><p>In this article we review six keys to managing irrigation reservoirs on a golf course: what to monitor, how often and how to document everything. These are general criteria, meant to be adapted to each facility and to the regulations that apply to it.<\/p><svg class=\"info\" viewBox=\"0 0 720 538\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"In this article\"><rect width=\"720\" height=\"538\" rx=\"6\" class=\"svg-bg\"\/><text x=\"28\" y=\"42\" class=\"svg-t\">In this article<\/text><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"54\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"54\" class=\"svg-line\"\/><path d=\"M73.1,89.0 L73.1,111.0 L54.0,122.0 L34.9,111.0 L34.9,89.0 L54.0,78.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"106\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">1<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"97\" class=\"svg-i\">Irrigation reservoirs: capacity, inflows and outflows<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,153.0 L73.1,175.0 L54.0,186.0 L34.9,175.0 L34.9,153.0 L54.0,142.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"170\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">2<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"161\" class=\"svg-i\">Look after the immediate surroundings of the basin<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,217.0 L73.1,239.0 L54.0,250.0 L34.9,239.0 L34.9,217.0 L54.0,206.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"234\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">3<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"225\" class=\"svg-i\">Measure level and consumption with a fixed routine<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,281.0 L73.1,303.0 L54.0,314.0 L34.9,303.0 L34.9,281.0 L54.0,270.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"298\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">4<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"289\" class=\"svg-i\">Monitor water quality and algae<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,345.0 L73.1,367.0 L54.0,378.0 L34.9,367.0 L34.9,345.0 L54.0,334.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"362\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">5<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"353\" class=\"svg-i\">Protect banks, waterproofing and structures<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,409.0 L73.1,431.0 L54.0,442.0 L34.9,431.0 L34.9,409.0 L54.0,398.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"426\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">6<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"417\" class=\"svg-i\">Put the safety of people and wildlife first<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,473.0 L73.1,495.0 L54.0,506.0 L34.9,495.0 L34.9,473.0 L54.0,462.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"490\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">7<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"481\" class=\"svg-i\">Document inspections and plan the cleaning<\/text><\/svg><h2>Irrigation reservoirs: capacity, inflows and outflows<\/h2><p>It seems basic, but many teams work without being clear about how much usable water their irrigation reservoirs actually store. It pays to keep a record sheet for each reservoir with the key data and keep it up to date.<\/p><ul><li>Real usable capacity, excluding the dead volume at the bottom.<\/li><li>Water source: well, mains, reclaimed water, runoff or a mix of several sources.<\/li><li>Inlet points, spillways, drains and connection to the pumping station.<\/li><li>Date of construction, type of waterproofing and latest inspections.<\/li><\/ul><p>With that information you can calculate how many days of irrigation each reservoir covers in the most demanding weeks and make decisions ahead of time, rather than reacting when the level is already critical. A typical case: a course with two reservoirs of different sizes that empty at different rates because one supplies more sectors. Knowing this lets you spread demand better and avoid one being at its minimum while the other has plenty in reserve.<\/p><h2>Look after the immediate surroundings of the basin<\/h2><p>What happens around the reservoir ends up inside it. Leaves, dust, clippings or sediment washed in by rain bring organic matter and nutrients, and feed algae and sludge. Maintaining a well-managed strip around the basin, with no dumping of pruning or mowing waste, noticeably reduces the load the water receives and makes later cleaning easier. It is a simple task that belongs in the work calendar.<\/p><figure class=\"ph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ph-130-1.jpg\" alt=\"Greenkeeper checking the level of the irrigation reservoirs\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Greenkeeper checking the level of the irrigation reservoirs<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Measure level and consumption with a fixed routine<\/h2><p>One of the keys to managing irrigation reservoirs is knowing how much comes in and how much goes out. A visible level gauge, together with a regular reading, is enough on many courses. If the course has flow meters, even better, but they are not essential to get started.<\/p><ul><li>Record the level at the same time, for example every morning during the irrigation season.<\/li><li>Compare the drop with the scheduled volume: large differences point to leaks, high evaporation or unplanned irrigation.<\/li><li>Set alert levels: one for planning and one for acting.<\/li><\/ul><p>As a rough guide, in a Mediterranean summer evaporation from an open water surface can be significant, so it should be factored in when planning reserves.<\/p><h2>Monitor water quality and algae<\/h2><p>Stored water changes over time. Heat, light and nutrients trigger algae and organic matter, which ends up as clogged filters, blocked sprinklers and pumps with more wear. There is a direct link between the quality of irrigation reservoirs and the uniformity of application on the course.<\/p><ul><li>Regularly observe colour, smell and the presence of scum or foam.<\/li><li>Check conductivity and other relevant parameters with periodic analyses, in a laboratory where appropriate.<\/li><li>Control the input of nutrients from runoff, nearby fertilising or treated wastewater.<\/li><li>Keep up aeration or recirculation if the reservoir tends to stratify.<\/li><\/ul><p>Reservoir treatments must always be carried out with authorised products, following the label, current regulations and the advice of an authorised technician.<\/p><figure class=\"ph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ph-130-2.jpg\" alt=\"Bank and spillway of one of the course&#x27;s irrigation reservoirs\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Bank and spillway of one of the course&#x27;s irrigation reservoirs<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Protect banks, waterproofing and structures<\/h2><p>A reservoir is a civil engineering work and as such needs periodic inspections. Damage usually gives warning before it gets worse, if someone knows how to look.<\/p><ol><li>Walk the perimeter after heavy rain and look for cracks, slips or erosion.<\/li><li>Check the condition of the liner or basin in visible areas and the perimeter anchoring.<\/li><li>Make sure spillways and drains are clear of vegetation and sediment.<\/li><li>Inspect the fence, signage and access points.<\/li><\/ol><p>If you notice unusual dampness at the base of the bank or an unexplained drop in level, tell a competent technician as soon as possible rather than waiting for it to get worse.<\/p><h2>Put the safety of people and wildlife first<\/h2><p>Irrigation reservoirs on golf courses are attractive places for birds, amphibians and, sometimes, for people who should not be there. Safety is not a formality: it is a responsibility of the club.<\/p><ul><li>Perimeter fence in good condition and clear signage about the drowning risk.<\/li><li>Accessible rescue equipment, such as life rings and exit ladders on the banks.<\/li><li>A procedure for staff working near the water, including risk training.<\/li><li>Ramps or escape routes for wildlife that falls into the basin, especially in liners with smooth walls.<\/li><\/ul><p>All of this should be included in the course&#8217;s occupational risk prevention plan and reviewed with the team periodically.<\/p><h2>Document inspections and plan the cleaning<\/h2><p>Experience shows that irrigation reservoirs that are not cleaned end up losing usable capacity to sediment. A scheduled bottom clean, coordinated with the irrigation calendar, is cheaper than an emergency in the middle of July.<\/p><ul><li>Plan partial drawdowns or cleaning in periods of lower demand, with authorisation if needed.<\/li><li>Record each inspection: date, person responsible, observations and pending actions.<\/li><li>Keep photos of the condition of banks, inlets and outlets to compare year on year.<\/li><li>Define who alerts whom, and how quickly, when an anomaly is detected.<\/li><\/ul><p>Ongoing management of irrigation reservoirs avoids costly surprises and makes investment decisions easier. This history is also valuable to the owners, to environmental audits and to the competent authority.<\/p><svg class=\"info\" viewBox=\"0 0 720 420\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Key takeaways\"><rect width=\"720\" height=\"420\" rx=\"6\" class=\"svg-dark\"\/><text x=\"28\" y=\"44\" class=\"svg-tw\">Key takeaways<\/text><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"58\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"58\" class=\"svg-line2\"\/><rect x=\"24\" y=\"76\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,114.0 L75.3,134.0 L58.0,144.0 L40.7,134.0 L40.7,114.0 L58.0,104.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"130.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">1<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"119\" class=\"svg-c\">Keep a technical record of<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"139\" class=\"svg-c\">each reservoir up to date<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"76\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,114.0 L423.3,134.0 L406.0,144.0 L388.7,134.0 L388.7,114.0 L406.0,104.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"130.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">2<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"119\" class=\"svg-c\">Read the level daily during<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"139\" class=\"svg-c\">the season<\/text><rect x=\"24\" y=\"184\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,222.0 L75.3,242.0 L58.0,252.0 L40.7,242.0 L40.7,222.0 L58.0,212.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"238.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">3<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"227\" class=\"svg-c\">Watch for algae, nutrients and<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"247\" class=\"svg-c\">sediment<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"184\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,222.0 L423.3,242.0 L406.0,252.0 L388.7,242.0 L388.7,222.0 L406.0,212.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"238.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">4<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"237\" class=\"svg-c\">Inspect banks after heavy rain<\/text><rect x=\"24\" y=\"292\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,330.0 L75.3,350.0 L58.0,360.0 L40.7,350.0 L40.7,330.0 L58.0,320.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"346.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">5<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"335\" class=\"svg-c\">Safety of people and wildlife<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"355\" class=\"svg-c\">comes first<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"292\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,330.0 L423.3,350.0 L406.0,360.0 L388.7,350.0 L388.7,330.0 L406.0,320.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"346.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">6<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"335\" class=\"svg-c\">Document inspections and plan<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"355\" class=\"svg-c\">cleaning<\/text><\/svg><p class=\"src\">Further reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miteco.gob.es\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MITECO<\/a>. Spain&#x27;s Ministry for the Ecological Transition (MITECO) gathers general information on water management and the obligations of owners of hydraulic infrastructure.<\/p><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details class=\"faq\"><summary>How often should irrigation reservoirs be checked?<\/summary><p>During the irrigation season you should read the level daily and carry out a visual inspection at least weekly. After heavy rain, storms or strong wind, check banks, spillways and inlets. More thorough technical inspections of irrigation reservoirs must follow the applicable regulations and the recommendations of a competent technician.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"faq\"><summary>How do I prevent algae in irrigation reservoirs?<\/summary><p>Algae are prevented by reducing nutrient input, encouraging water circulation or aeration and avoiding the build-up of organic matter. Once a bloom has appeared, any treatment must be carried out with authorised products, following the label, current regulations and the advice of an authorised technician. Noting when they appear helps you anticipate them.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"faq\"><summary>Who is responsible for reservoir safety?<\/summary><p>Responsibility lies with the owner of the facility, who must ensure fencing, signage and procedures for staff. In practice, the head greenkeeper usually coordinates inspections and alerts management to any deficiency. It is best to put in writing who checks what and how often at each of the irrigation reservoirs.<\/p><\/details><aside class=\"cta\"><h3>Total Greenkeeper<\/h3><p>Checking levels, consumption and incidents regularly is much easier when everything is recorded in one place. With Total Greenkeeper you can keep track of irrigation, consumption and inspection reports for each facility. Request a demo at totalgreenkeeper.com.<\/p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/#demo\">Request a demo<\/a><\/aside><h2>Keep reading<\/h2><ul class=\"rel\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/reclaimed-water-irrigation-golf-course-keys\/\">Reclaimed water for irrigation on golf courses<\/a> <span>Reclaimed Water for Irrigation: 6 Keys for Your Course<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/algae-golf-course-lakes-causes-solutions\/\">Algae in golf course lakes: causes and control<\/a> <span>Algae in Golf Course Lakes: 5 Causes and Solutions<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/pumping-station-preventive-checks-golf\/\">Pumping station: maintenance and inspections<\/a> <span>Pumping Station: 6 Preventive Checks on Golf Courses<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How often should irrigation reservoirs be checked?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"During the irrigation season you should read the level daily and carry out a visual inspection at least weekly. 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