From the Guidelines
Drinking water near a golf course may potentially increase the risk of disease due to possible contamination from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers commonly used in golf course maintenance. These chemicals can leach into groundwater and nearby water sources, potentially introducing harmful substances into drinking water. Golf courses typically use significant amounts of chemicals to maintain their pristine appearance, including fungicides, insecticides, and nitrogen-based fertilizers, which may contain compounds linked to various health issues including neurological problems, hormone disruption, and certain cancers with long-term exposure 1. If you live near a golf course and use well water, consider having your water tested regularly for chemical contaminants. Installing a quality water filtration system designed to remove pesticides and other chemicals can provide additional protection. Municipal water supplies near golf courses should be monitored by local authorities, but requesting water quality reports can give you peace of mind. The actual risk depends on factors like the specific maintenance practices of the golf course, local geology, distance from the water source, and existing water treatment systems. Some studies have suggested that chronic exposure to certain contaminants in drinking water, such as uranium, may be associated with increased risk of certain cancers and kidney disease 1. However, it's essential to note that the risk assessment and management of drinking water contamination near golf courses should be based on the most recent and highest-quality evidence available, and individuals should consult with local health authorities and water quality experts to determine the best course of action for their specific situation. Key considerations include:
- Regular water testing for chemical contaminants
- Installation of a quality water filtration system
- Monitoring of municipal water supplies by local authorities
- Requesting water quality reports for peace of mind
- Understanding the specific maintenance practices of the golf course and potential impact on water quality.
From the Research
Disease Risk Associated with Drinking Water Near Golf Courses
- The risk of disease associated with drinking water near golf courses is a concern due to the potential presence of pesticides and other contaminants in the water 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study published in the JAMA network open found that living within 1 mile of a golf course was associated with a 126% increased odds of developing Parkinson's disease compared to individuals living more than 6 miles away from a golf course 2.
- The same study found that individuals living in water service areas with a golf course had nearly double the odds of Parkinson's disease compared to individuals in water service areas without golf courses 2.
- Another study published in the Journal of environmental quality found that a filter blend comprising industrial byproducts was effective in removing chlorothalonil, a pesticide commonly used on golf courses, from drainage water 3.
- However, the filter blend was not effective in removing other pesticides, such as mefenoxam and propiconazole, and even added phosphorus to the effluent above certain flow rates 3.
- A comprehensive analysis of golf course water quality data found that widespread water quality impacts had not occurred at the sites studied, although concerns were raised about phosphorus 4.
- The analysis found that individual pesticide database entries that exceeded toxicity reference points for groundwater and surface water were 0.15 and 0.56%, respectively 4.
- A study on the removal of pesticides from wastewater at golf courses using plants found that mung beans were effective in removing pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, from wastewater 5.
- Another study reviewed the carcinogenic and genotoxic potential of turf pesticides commonly used on golf courses and found that there was increasing potential for unintentional human and animal exposure to these pesticides 6.