Golf courses represent a unique convergence of PFAS exposure pathways: large volumes of water applied to carefully maintained turf, potential use of PFAS-containing pesticide formulations or wetting agents, and the use of reclaimed water that may contain PFAS from wastewater sources. As communities have become more aware of PFAS contamination, golf course water management has come under increasing scrutiny.
PFAS Sources in Golf Course Operations
Multiple potential PFAS sources exist in typical golf course operations:
Irrigation water quality: Many golf courses use reclaimed (recycled) municipal wastewater for irrigation — a water-efficient practice that, however, introduces whatever PFAS the wastewater treatment plant was unable to remove. Since conventional treatment does not remove PFAS, reclaimed water often carries the full PFAS burden of the source community’s water use.
Wetting agents and surfactants: Turf management relies heavily on surfactants (wetting agents) to ensure uniform water penetration into hydrophobic soils. Historically, some PFAS-based surfactants were used for this purpose due to their superior performance characteristics. While many have been phased out, legacy contamination from historical use may persist in soil.
Pesticide formulations: Some older pesticide formulations used fluorosurfactant adjuvants containing PFAS. As with wetting agents, the regulatory review of PFAS in pesticide formulations is ongoing, and some PFAS-containing products remain registered.
Fire suppression: Golf clubhouses and maintenance facilities with fire suppression systems that used AFFF are potential point sources if discharges or testing releases have occurred.
Turf Uptake and Runoff Pathways
PFAS applied to golf course turf through irrigation or direct application can:
- Be taken up by turfgrass (though grass itself has limited use as a food exposure route for most people)
- Leach through the soil profile into groundwater, particularly on sandy-soil courses where percolation is rapid
- Run off the course surface during heavy rainfall into adjacent water bodies, storm drains, or streams
- Accumulate in ponds and water hazards, creating concentrated PFAS reservoirs that serve as wildlife exposure points
Studies of golf course ponds in PFAS-affected regions have found elevated PFAS concentrations in pond water and sediments, with implications for aquatic wildlife and for communities that draw irrigation or drinking water from the same watershed.
PFAS in Course Drinking Water
Golfers, caddies, and course workers consume water during their time on the course — from drinking fountains, beverage carts, and clubhouse facilities. If the course’s drinking water source (municipal or private well) is PFAS-contaminated, this represents a direct human exposure pathway that course management should address.
Certified point-of-use filtration for drinking water and food preparation in clubhouses and maintenance facilities provides effective protection for workers and patrons. This is particularly important for workers who spend many hours per day on the course.
Regulatory Developments
The turfgrass industry is monitoring PFAS regulatory developments carefully. Several states have enacted or are considering regulations on PFAS in reclaimed water used for irrigation, which would directly affect golf courses that rely on this water source. The EPA’s ongoing review of PFAS in pesticide formulations may result in cancellations or use restrictions for some products.
Golf course superintendents are encouraged to:
- Test irrigation water sources for PFAS, particularly if using reclaimed water
- Review product labels for PFAS ingredients and seek alternatives where available
- Consult with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for current guidance on PFAS in turf management
- Install certified filtration for drinking water used on the property
Looking Ahead
As PFAS regulations tighten across multiple sectors, golf course water management will face increasing pressure to reduce PFAS inputs through both water source management and product substitution. Courses that proactively test, disclose, and address PFAS in their water systems will be better positioned as regulatory requirements evolve and as consumer and community awareness continues to grow.