Wastewater Keeping Golf Course Green

After a year of renovations and an $8.8 million investment into the grounds, Plano's city-owned golf course, Pecan Hollow, reopened on Nov. 1.

Coincidentally, that was also the day Stage 3 water restrictions came into effect for about 1 million North Texans who are customers of the North Texas Municipal Water District.

But Stage 3 restrictions won't impact this course.

"We've had no problems. We've had plenty of water this year," said head golf pro Steve Heidelberg.

The course is so green because of a unique source of irrigation, household wastewater.

"Fortunately, Pecan Hollow Golf Course is located right next to a North Texas Municipal Water Supply wastewater treatment plant," said Robin Reeves, of Plano Parks and Recreation.

"We're able to pump water from that, reclaim the water into our ponds and we use that to irrigate," said Heidelberg.

Reeves said the processed wastewater supply contains nutrients that actually help maintain the course. Reeves added that it's perfectly sanitary as long as no one drinks the water.

"It's treated, so it's safe to go back into the environment."

The process saves up to 90 million gallons of water per year -- or the annual average golf course water use.