Old Colwyn Golf Club is exceptionally proud to announce the official opening of its pioneering ClearWater Water and Waste Recycling System. The facility was officially inaugurated by the Mayor of Old Colwyn, Councillor Greg Wynne, marking a significant milestone in the club’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance.
Speaking at the opening, Councillor Wynne praised the club’s initiative saying: “I was honoured to be asked to open the new sustainable water recycling facilities at Old Colwyn Golf Club. This state-of-the-art system is much better for the environment, and much more economical. It represents a significant milestone for the club, and I would encourage everybody to visit the club and enjoy everything that it has to offer; especially the beautiful views.”
Historically, golf clubs consume up to 70 per cent more water than other sports facilities. Old Colwyn Golf Club is tackling this environmental challenge head-on. With the introduction of this new wash pad facility, the club aims to become completely self-sufficient in its water usage for course maintenance, achieving zero drawdown from the national water grid.
Club Captain Arwel Williams emphasised the importance of this timing: “We’re constantly striving to improve our golf course and find ways to bring about sustainable environmental changes. This summer has seen one of the worst droughts for decades, so investing in a system that allows us to harvest rainwater and recycle our wastewater is absolutely crucial. By eliminating our reliance on the national water grid for maintenance, we are protecting the local environment and securing the future of our beautiful course.”
This vital project was made possible through a generous grant awarded by Sports Wales, alongside invaluable support and guidance from Golf Wales.
The newly installed 7-meter by 6-meter wash bay capture system will drastically reduce the club’s environmental footprint, and the system will capture approximately 55,000 litres of rainwater annually to provide 100 per cent grey water for the treatment of the greens.
By recycling the water used to clean greenkeeping and maintenance equipment, the club will save an astounding 112,500 litres of mains water from being drawn from the grid each year.
Furthermore, the system guarantees the club’s strict compliance with the latest anti-pollution and environmental protection legislation. Many sports facilities remain unaware of the laws regarding the disposal of equipment wash water, potentially exposing themselves to environmental notices under the Ground Water Regulations 2009 (item 3e). Old Colwyn Golf Club’s proactive approach completely eliminates this risk.
Matt Mears, Director – ClearWater Division, concluded: “I was absolutely delighted to witness the installation of yet another ClearWater System at Old Colwyn Golf Club. The club have been a joy to work with, and I know that the system will become a valuable asset both now, and in the years ahead.”
