How ClearWater’s System Delivered Impressive 90% Water Savings for Thetford Golf Club

Thetford Golf Club, a free draining course set in Heathland, East Anglia, called upon Acumen’s ClearWater team for a solution to improve the club’s water security resources and irrigation.

The idea

Matt Perks, the Course Manager of Thetford Golf Club joined the team in the early part of 2024. Matt and the club had ambitious plans to drive the course condition forward by improving water security resources and irrigation. Part of this included upgrading the wash facility in the Greenkeeper’s facilities.

However aware of the impact on the environment that washing off so many machines could have, his and the club’s attention focused to address this twofold issue associated with:

1. Conserving of water and the club’s obligation to sustainability
2. Preventing pollution of the ground water to ensure compliance with current Groundwater Regulations

Matt saw a solution in a new wash-off facility with water recycling was the way forward and researched suitable solutions.

A ClearWater washpad recycling system from Acumen Waste Services looked to be the ideal solution for the club and a site meeting was arranged. Following this visit by the company, specifications were drawn up and a quotation provided.

The challenge

Matt and the club wanted to make use of existing concrete in the yard, making amends to ensure budgets could be achieved. Fortunately, this was no problem for ClearWater.

Matthew Mears, ClearWater’s Director, explains: “With sustainability now a key factor for many businesses, and the need for multiple machine washes at once more pertinent than ever with the rise in machinery, ClearWater’s 5,000-litre (1,320-gallon) capacity, paired with two powerful hoses, is more than adequate. It also allows for sufficient dwell time for the biological treatment.”

Thetford opted for a turnkey package quoted by Acumen ClearWater, with all work completed within a one-week schedule.

Why did it have to be ClearWater?

The club takes their environmental responsibilities seriously and sustainability is key. So, a compliant washpad and water savings became necessary. Matt Perks comments “ClearWater was the best choice after seeing that it could be installed below ground and that we could utilise an existing redundant area.” ClearWater does provide advantages over other solutions: there is no noise as the system is below ground, all you will hear is the wash water jet leaving the water guns! Also, the system recycles treated water with little loss, as the dedicated washpad with a low curb surround is constructed in such a way as the waste wash water is discharged through grass traps and into the underground tank by gravity for treatment. Some water loss will occur through evaporation, particularly in hot weather. However, the system is topped up by rainwater falling on the washpad, so no mains water feed needed.

The solution

Machinery wash-off for many has clearly demonstrated huge water consumption and wastage for many years at an ever-increasing cost, financially and environmentally. Water has become an increasingly valuable resource. Washpad water recycling is the way forward for those in the turfcare maintenance sector and other business needing wash off. With water savings more than 90% now achievable.

For more information on ClearWater’s washpad recycling systems, click here.

Or contact a member of the team to see how they can help you achieve comparable results here.