Manuel Cardeña: The Future of Regenerated Water in Golf

“Reclaimed water is here to stay in golf.”

Manuel Cardeña, CEO of ACOSOL, discusses the company’s commitment to sustainability and the use of reclaimed water on golf courses.

ACOSOL and its role in water management on the Costa del Sol

ACOSOL is the public company of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental that manages the integral water cycle in towns such as Benahavís, Marbella, Mijas and Estepona.

Each year, it regenerates 50 cubic hectometers of water, consolidating its position as a leader in the use of recycled water for golf course irrigation.

Improvements in reclaimed water quality

– This summer, the quality of reclaimed water was affected. How has the situation been addressed?

– We have an extensive sewage network on the Western Costa del Sol, but some pipes had high salinity levels due to seawater seepage. We have implemented technical solutions such as the installation of watertight sleeves in the pipes to reduce these levels and significantly improve water quality.

Solutions implemented

– What specific solution have you applied?

– A watertight sleeve has been introduced in the first 300 meters of pipe, drastically reducing water conductivity. At the end of the work, the conductivity will be below 3,000 microsiemens/cm.

In addition, it is proposed to recess pipes and install osmosis plants at the La Víbora and Guadalmansa wastewater treatment plants, located near the main golf courses on the Costa del Sol.

Adaptation of golf to climate change

– Should fields adapt to the reality of climate change?

– Yes, we must all adapt. ACOSOL is working to provide the highest quality reclaimed water and golf courses must commit to its use. Adaptation of resistant grass types and new irrigation strategies will be key.

One example of success is Finca Cortesín, which used reclaimed water in the Solheim Cup and demonstrated that it is possible to maintain sustainable golf courses with excellent quality.

Impact of water cost on golf courses.

– What can you tell us about the recent increases in water prices?

– The water price update was necessary. For more than 20 years, it had not been adjusted, and golf courses have made a big recovery after the pandemic. The golf industry is booming and its stability depends on an adequate water supply.

The impact of golf on water use

– According to the Spanish Golf Courses Association, golf consumes only 0.34% of total water in Spain, compared to 80% for agriculture and 15% for the urban cycle. Even so, the efficient use of water is key.

Players, especially international golfers, increasingly value the sustainability of courses, including the use of recycled water instead of potable water.

The alliance between ACOSOL and golf courses

– How will the collaboration between ACOSOL and the golf courses be strengthened?

– Golf must move towards a sustainable model based on the use of reclaimed water. From ACOSOL we will collaborate with the Greenkeepers Association in training on efficient irrigation and new varieties of turf.

The awareness of the three essential figures of golf: ownership, management and greenkeepers, will be key to ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

ACOSOL Investment Plan

– What is the scope of the planned investments?

– ACOSOL has budgeted an investment of:

4 million for the installation of sleeves to reduce seawater intrusion.
18 million per plant for the installation of reverse osmosis in the wastewater treatment plants.
A total of 348 million euros in the improvement of water infrastructures, sanitation and reclaimed water network.

These investments will ensure that reclaimed water remains a viable, quality alternative for irrigating golf courses and other public green areas.