Recycled water definitely is golf’s future, but it’s the present for those who anticipated water shortages years ago. Virtually all of the courses along the Monterey Peninsula, for instance, including the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, use recycled water, which is essentially waste water that is treated, filtered and disinfected to Health Dept. standards but not suitable for drinking.

Many courses have circumvented water shortages by going to hardier strains of turfgrass and installing computerized smart-controller irrigation systems that monitor weather conditions and dispense water far more judiciously. On some courses, even the individual sprinkler heads can be regulated from a computer source, dispensing water where it’s most needed.

Even though it has utilized its own well water since the 1970s, Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord has a weather monitor operated by CCWD right next to its 18th tee and taps into the info it churns out.

“It’s just another tool to help,” said course supe Don Paul. “Even though we have our own wells, we make a conscientious effort to use only as much as water as we need to replenish the turf.”

In short, East Bay golf courses aren’t wasting much precious water. In fact, we could all probably learn a few handy conservation tricks from them. A project that promises to conserve Pittsburg’s water supply and protect its landscaping is underway in this Northern California city. Officials from Delta Diablo Sanitation District, state water agencies and the federal government joined city leaders in dedicating a project that will use recycled water on Delta View Golf Course and some city landscaping. Officials gushed that the water reuse project allows the city to maintain grassy areas in case of drought, while saving money and usable water for residents.

Other agencies around the state will look to the project as a way to address California’s water future, said Gary Wolff, vice chairman of the state Water Resources Control Board.

“There is a perception that using the recycled water is unsafe or dangerous, but that’s not the case,” he said.

In May, Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, sponsored a bill signed by President Bush enabling local water and wastewater agencies to work jointly with the federal government to construct pipelines, treatment facilities and other infrastructure to develop and expand the use of recycled

In June, $9 million in federal funds was earmarked for drought-relief projects in the Bay Area.

Pittsburg has been maintaining most of its landscapes with drinking water for years, Public Works Director John Fuller said.

Until federal appropriations come through, Delta Diablo has agreed to pick up the federal tab of $1.7 million as long as Pittsburg pays back the district.

Officials hope the project will be completed by fall 2009 or spring 2010 and estimate the cost at $9 million.