Trees, Water by Timothy O'Brien
Speak Out to Protect Our Water Supply On Jan. 15th, 2025!
Remember the recent drought warning? While farmers were struggling to keep their crops alive, and firefighters battled wildfires—it was business as usual for golf courses, which were allowed to continue watering their extensive lawns.
UPDATE: As of 1/14/25, this hearing has been postponed to a later date, TBD
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Account overdrawn! In the financial realm, you may be able to protect yourself from withdrawing too much from your account with overdraft protection. The natural world works quite a bit differently. When a sub-watershed (known to bureaucrats as a HUC11) is already at 131% of its allocation (how much water can be withdrawn from surface and groundwater in an area) significant ecological damage is likely already occurring during dry summer months. So, why are the stewards of our natural resources, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), approving an increase of 4 million gallons of precious water a month from that same watershed for golf course irrigation? This is the question that prompted Pinelands Preservation Alliance to request a public hearing with the NJDEP and the applicant, the Pinelands Golf Club in Winslow Township, NJ.
A Golf Course’s Request Threatens Winslow Township’s Water Supply
A golf course in Winslow Township has recently requested a massive increase in water withdrawals from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer, sparking serious environmental concerns. The proposed change would more than double their monthly water allocation from 3.1 million gallons (MGM) to 7 MGM—with 6.47 MGM drawn from groundwater and 0.53 MGM from a surface pond on-site. To put this into perspective, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average New Jersey resident uses 70-80 gallons of water daily. This means the golf course would be consuming the equivalent of what 2,800 NJ residents use in a month.
Ecological Strain in an Overallocated Watershed
The request comes at a time when the region is already under significant ecological stress. The local sub-watershed (HUC11/”hydrologic unit code 11”, a term used to describe how the USGS defines watershed boundaries) is a known stressed area. Water is already being used at an unsustainable rate in this HUC11. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), residents and businesses in this watershed currently use 5.9 million gallons daily (mgd), which is 131% of its available water supply. Alarmingly, the total amount of water allocated for this area stands at 19.7 mgd, an unsustainable 438% of available resources.
DEP’s Flawed Reasoning
The DEP justifies its consideration of this request by arguing there will be no net increase in the golf course’s annual allocation of 33.48 million gallons. Meaning, the golf course can use 7 MGM during drier months, but it will not be able to use its full monthly allocation every month throughout the year. However, golf courses typically use more water during the summer months, particularly in August and September—a period when water systems are already at their most strained. Additionally, climate trends show that droughts are extending into October and November, further undermining the DEP’s reasoning.
Historical Usage vs. Current Request
On three occasions—twice in 2019 and once in 2021—the course exceeded its current monthly allocation (3.1 MGM) but never used more than 5 MGM in a single month. If the golf course is adequately implementing a water conservation plan, why are they requesting an additional 2 MGM beyond their highest historical monthly usage? This raises serious questions about their intentions and the DEP’s willingness to approve such requests.
A Conflict with Climate-Conscious Policies
The DEP’s decision-making process appears inconsistent with the state’s broader climate-conscious rulemaking efforts. Approving this application based on outdated assumptions of “natural climatic fluctuations” ignores the growing evidence of human-induced climate change and its impact on water availability.
Spread the Word
Share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors to help raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference and protect the vital water resources of Winslow Township and the surrounding region.
In the past year, New Jersey has been subject to droughts and wildfires. With the climate sotustion projected to worsen, I believe we should be careful about allocating our water supply and maintaining water resoivoirs to ensure that the PEOPLE and NATURE of the state have enough fresh water to sustain ourselves.
Additionally, the cost of aid to the state during an eventual climate emergency due to depleting freshwater resources must be taken into account.
Thank you for reading this message.
BTW, all these comments are good and should be submitted via email to those considering this: catherine.foley@dep.nj.gov
In lieu of attending todays postponed meeting, I sent the following public comment via email, I hope it helps (feel free to use as a template if you think it is good):
Catherine Foley catherine.foley@dep.nj.gov
Mail Code 401-04Q
Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Supply & Geoscience
P.O. Box 420 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420
Dear Ms. Catherine Foley, I am writing in opposition to the Application No. 2278P of the PINELANDS GOLF COURSE, 887 S Mays Landing Road, Winslow Township, NJ, 08037 to divert additional water for golf course irrigation, public non-community supply and maintenance. It would be a negligent action by the DEP to approve an application for such a frivolous purpose, and would be in direct opposition of the goal of responsible stewardship of a precious natural resource. It has been brought to my attention through analysis that the HUC11 is already at 131% of its allocation and significant ecological damage is likely already occurring during dry summer months.
According to the September 23, 2024 news release by the DEP the State of NJ recognizes the reality of climate change to threaten the State’s water supply, as evidenced by the statement, “’New Jersey’s climate is changing. From increased temperatures to sea-level rise, these climate impacts can pose a threat to our water supplies if not properly addressed by proactive planning, management, and permitting,’ said State Geologist Steven Domber.” Effective management and permitting of our water supply can only be defined as a rejection of Application No. 2278P and it’s profligate request.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit public comment on this most important public issue,
Zoe Leach
I am horrified by the manner in which the state is handling the drought in NJ. They are merely requesting residents conserve water, but based on what I have seen, such as people watering their lawns into late November, that isn’t happening. That a golf course has the option to even ask for more water is ludicrous. Water is one of our most precious resources and without it most life would cease to exist. Golf courses and residents should utilize drought resistant grass or natural landscaping and save water for drinking and wildlife. The state should call a water emergency and limit water usage to ensure there is enough to sustain life.
Why was the meeting delayed? What’s the best way to get updated after TT ban?
Thank you for your care in this topic! We are not sure why this meeting was delayed – if you sign up for our Action Alerts we will notify you on updates there. https://engage.pinelandsalliance.org/email
Water for nearly 3000 residential homes or water for a green golf course? The choice is pretty clear. Put human lives first. You can still golf on a dry course. You can’t live without water needed for drinking and food.
That water belongs to farms and family’s not a stupid golf course.
Please keep me posted when this meeting will be rescheduled! Especially if I can’t get this information from tiktok! Thanks,
Thank you for your care in this topic! If you sign up for our Action Alerts we will notify you on updates there. https://engage.pinelandsalliance.org/email
We have enough god forsaken golf courses in this state. We don’t need them threatening our livelihood and environment because they want greener grass.
This is awful. What they are proposing and the DEA is finding loopholes to allow major usage of our pure aquifers will take prime water from our Pine Barrens.
This is astounding. The golf course greens can turn brown, for all I care. They should do like the rest of us and live within their means. The ultra wealthy have all the audacity.
The misuse of the regions water supply is concerning and needs to be addressed.
It is egregious that private land for a golf course is trying to increase their water usage when the world continues to have record temperatures and droughts continue through your neighboring communities. Stop being selfish and start listening to the community about sustainable water practices.
As a New Jersey resident seeing the droughts affect on our land has deeply sadden me. This past fall I took a walk through Allaire park, one of my favorite pieces of nature near me and it sadden me to see how low the water was. Then leaving we drove past a local golf course and saw the perfectly green grass. These golf courses are draining our beautiful land and hurting our garden state. I hope the state reconsiders allowing the Winslow golf course to have access to more water which will only further hurt our beautiful state.
I have lived in NJ for 30+ yrs, in the past few years, it has become extremely drier. 2024 was the worst year so far. I have a well and I didn’t water grass and other plants to preserve our/my precious resource. We need to stop this over watering to preserve our aquafers before it’s too late. THAT Green grass may seem pretty but at what cost?
7 million gallons of water is ridiculous. we need to protect the Earth and starts by protecting our States. New Jersey is my home and i will not stand by and let these people destroy it. This is unacceptable and can NOT happen.
Protect the future of the planet. Protect the future of humanity and many generations to come. Water is essential and vital to earth’s living beings, protect that at all costs.
During this time of climate change where the people of New Jersey, myself included are being asked to conserve water, limit how we care for our bodies, our homes, be careful how we utilize fire and so forth, it’s quite an egregious ask for a golf course of all places to want to use more water. Taking water away from farmers, home owners and people trying to respect the water usage limitations. The message is that wealthy oligarchs ability to play golf matters more than us low level common peasants ability to have access to water. Resources are limited . Maybe it’s time to switch to virtual golf instead.
The supply they’re demanding will only increase with climate changes impacts.. it is not sustainable and it negatively effects locals.
I have another commitment and cannot attend this hearing but I do believe protecting our water reserves is far more important than a golf course.
Email content: Dear Catherine Foley and all considering this application at the NJDEP,
When a sub-watershed is already at 131% of its allocation, significant ecological damage is likely already occurring during dry summer months. So, why are the stewards of our natural resources, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), approving an increase of 4 million gallons of precious water a month from that same watershed for golf course irrigation? The proposed change would more than double the golf course’s monthly water allocation from 3.1 million gallons (MGM) to 7 MGM—with 6.47 MGM drawn from groundwater and 0.53 MGM from a surface pond on-site. To put this into perspective, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average New Jersey resident uses 70-80 gallons of water daily. This means the golf course would be consuming the equivalent of what 2,800 NJ residents use in a month.The request comes at a time when the region is already under significant ecological stress. The local sub-watershed (HUC11/”hydrologic unit code 11”, a term used to describe how the USGS defines watershed boundaries) is a known stressed area. Water is already being used at an unsustainable rate in this HUC11. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), residents and businesses in this watershed currently use 5.9 million gallons daily (mgd), which is 131% of its available water supply. Alarmingly, the total amount of water allocated for this area stands at 19.7 mgd, an unsustainable 438% of available resources.
Aside from this just being incredibly poor math, and willful negligence of cherished land and water, it is heartbreaking. As a resident of the Pinelands National Reserve, and of Winslow Township, as I travel near and far, people ask me about the Pines Barrens and how they’ve heard how beautiful and unique the ecosystem is there. The Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer is already suffering. We must protect our precious resources and conserve water in this time of heightened scarcity, otherwise we will destroy one of our most precious resources, clean abundant water.
Please do all you can to protect our water. Deny Pinelands Golf Club’s application for the gross misuse of public resources.
Sincerely,
Gaby Rice
Email content: Dear Catherine Foley and all considering this application at the NJDEP,
When a sub-watershed is already at 131% of its allocation, significant ecological damage is likely already occurring during dry summer months. So, why are the stewards of our natural resources, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), approving an increase of 4 million gallons of precious water a month from that same watershed for golf course irrigation? The proposed change would more than double the golf course’s monthly water allocation from 3.1 million gallons (MGM) to 7 MGM—with 6.47 MGM drawn from groundwater and 0.53 MGM from a surface pond on-site. To put this into perspective, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average New Jersey resident uses 70-80 gallons of water daily. This means the golf course would be consuming the equivalent of what 2,800 NJ residents use in a month.The request comes at a time when the region is already under significant ecological stress. The local sub-watershed (HUC11/”hydrologic unit code 11”, a term used to describe how the USGS defines watershed boundaries) is a known stressed area. Water is already being used at an unsustainable rate in this HUC11. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), residents and businesses in this watershed currently use 5.9 million gallons daily (mgd), which is 131% of its available water supply. Alarmingly, the total amount of water allocated for this area stands at 19.7 mgd, an unsustainable 438% of available resources.
Aside from this just being incredibly poor math, and willful negligence of cherished land and water, it is heartbreaking. As a resident of the Pinelands National Reserve, and of Winslow Township, as I travel near and far, people ask me about the Pines Barrens and how they’ve heard how beautiful and unique the ecosystem is there. The Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer is already suffering. We must protect our precious resources and conserve water in this time of heightened scarcity, otherwise we will destroy one of our most precious resources, clean abundant water.
Please do all you can to protect our water. Deny Pinelands Golf Club’s application for the gross misuse of public resources.
Sincerely,
Gaby Rice
I am a resident of Cumberland County New Jersey. I disagree with the New Jersey DEP to even entertain the request of more water for the golf course. This will set a dangerous precedent. We are already in a drought!! Please say no to this!! We have farmers and residents to consider before even thinking about something recreational like a golf course.
Please save our water for us!
Other areas of our country are using unsustainable amounts of water and still planning economic expansion. Where do they think they will get the water from? How can you build homes and businesses if there is no water? The mid west and far west have a BIG PROBLEM. Let’s not over draw our water now, not for extras like golf courses. Forget about climate change, our growing population will us all our water reserves soon enough. But please keep business out of this problem!
It’s ridiculous! I demand water be allocated fairly!
Hi, this amount of water for a golf course is insane. This region of New Jersey is already water-stressed and it is unnecessary to waste significant quantities of water so that a few golfers can play on slightly greener grass.
This is a disgrace. Farmers are struggling to find hay. This is a misuse of resources and really is disgusting. Please do not allow this to occur.
saw the video about this on TikTok, I work near this and had no idea. thank you for informing the community!
I have concerns regarding the proposed water allocation increase for the the Pinelands Golf Club in Winslow Township. Please carefully consider conservation measures that can could avoid the proposed increase in monthly water allocation from 3.1 million gallons (MGM) to 7 MGM—with 6.47 MGM drawn from groundwater. Also, consider the impact of potential water run off that might contain elevated levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus and ways to mitigate these fertilizer pollutants in the water.
This is an egregious misuse of water it needs to change. We have to hold these golf courses accountable with an invaluable shared finite resource. They should be denied the request to expand their water usage.
I am so tired of golf courses being harmful to the environment!
The water usage, the pesticides, the maintenance required all for what!?!
Talk about putting a select group of people above all else!
We lived on the edge of one and had to move.
So much destruction!
Please don’t let the golf course greedy take our supply of water. Without water we die. We the people are so much more important than grass!!!!!!!!!
Hello, I am a New Jersey resident and South Jersey for a few years now. I would like to participate in any way that I can.
Water should not be used for a select few with enough money to play golf. Their allocation is plenty as it is, save the rest of the water for the rest of us.
Save the environment, not golf courses.
Gold courses don’t deserve priority over people when it comes to water.
I am going to try and join with my students from class. I teach AP environmental science and we just talked about water and land usage and they are likely more informed or the topic than the voting parties
To whom it may concern,
My name is Ben Palermo, and I’m a lifelong resident of Monmouth County. I am an avid outdoorsman and golfer, and was made aware of Pineland National’s request to increase their water demand from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer. I am concerned that the benefit the course will be receiving from the proposed increase will outweigh the ecological downsides. As an outdoorsman, golfer, conservationist, and registered Republican, I hope that my government can strike a fair balance between environmental protection and business needs, and I am concerned that this proposal unfairly elevates the latter over the former.
Thank you for your consideration.
As a resident of Collings Lakes, BVT, I’m say absolutely no to the increase water usage by the golf course.
Besides being a greedy and selfish thing to take water from NJ communities, giving a golf course permission to take more
Than their share for mere aesthetics is ridiculous. Especially with the LA fires now, we need to remember are not immune to forest fires. Plus we want our jersey tomatoes! Stop the golf course from taking more water!
As much as I like to play golf, golf courses are a want not a need. They do not need perfectly manicured grass. The can have that again when we have full recovered from the drought. Now is not the time.
I am a resident of Minnesota and came across this issue. To also be experiencing great ecological change half way across the country I can only begin to imagine the troubles of water shortages as a farmer. To have water use become an issue in the most developed country in the world is a travesty, especially when the wealthy continue to use it like nothing has changed. I believe it is immoral to allow a single entity such as a golf course continue to guzzle precious water resources from the community in the middle of a drought.
I am a resident of Minnesota and came across this issue. To also be experiencing great ecological change half way across the country I can only begin to imagine the troubles of water shortages as a farmer. To have water use become an issue in the most developed country in the world is a travesty, especially when the wealthy continue to use it like nothing has changed. I believe it is immoral to allow a single entity such as a golf course continue to guzzle precious water resources from the community in the middle of a drought.
Really? What is wrong with this country. Didn’t they learn anything from the California wildfires and the fact that they have not spent the money to upgrade their water supplies for drinking water and farms???? Why is superficial nonsense from the ultra rich dictate how our country runs and spends. This is a crucial situation and as a resident of Waterford Township who relies on a septic system, which a majority of Winslow Township does as well, how can they think of even remotely promoting the use of crucial water to make lawns green when every day people go without water. How stupid are these government people! Money talks BS walks! The way of this country. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Golf courses are an unnecessary luxury for the rich and provide no benefit to the majority of society.
Protect our Water!
Our federal government has shown time and time again that it will put the interest of the wealthy above the it’s everyday citizens and constituents. It is for this very reason our framers emphasized the power of state and local governments. Local officials have a duty to be the bulwark against oligarchs who use our vital resources for their exclusive entertainment. Local officials have a duty to steward our environment into a healthy and prosperous future to be inhered by the next generation. Dereliction of this duty is a betrayal of the everyday people and a call to action to remove such local officials.