Community awareness of the use of alternative water sources for irrigation of golf courses in urban landscapes : a case study of selected sites in the Sydney Metropolitan area

The current water supply crisis has led to the development and utilisation of alternative water supply systems for irrigating urban playing fields. There is however little understanding of the social consequences of and feasibility for using alternative supplies for irrigation. This also includes understanding the extent of community awareness of the water issues, which is important for policy makers. In this study community awareness of alternative water supplies was examined through community surveys of resident surrounding three golf courses, namely Manly, Gordon and Killara within Sydney. The results of these surveys provides understanding of the residents reactions towards the use of alternative water sources as well as how the community will react to the transition from potable water to alternative supplies for irrigation. There was also evidence that the community accepts the use of playing fields for stormwater pollution abatement and effluent reuse. A key finding from the study was that the community are accepting of alternative water sources (94%) for the irrigation of golf courses in urban landscapes. The community attitude and awareness of alternative water sources would also allow the use of these water sources for the irrigation of urban playing fields and domestic private gardens/lawns. It was also noted the use of alternative water sources is an accepted reality under current potable water shortages. Through an understanding of community, attitudes and acceptance towards alternative water use for irrigation policy makers can develop plans and strategies that are accepted and implemented by local government authorities with minimal objection from the community