Community awareness of the use of alternative water sources for irrigation of golf courses : a case study of a selected site within 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. In this study, community awareness of alternative water supplies was examined through community surveys of residents surrounding three golf courses, namely Manly, Gordon and Killara within Sydney. The results of these surveys provide understanding of the residents' reactions towards the use of alternative water sources as well as how the community might react to the transition from potable water to alternative supplies for irrigation. A key finding from the study was that the community are accepting alternative water sources (94%) for the irrigation of golf courses in urban landscapes. 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 can be implemented by local government authorities with minimal objection from the community.