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Brookings staff report one promising test well and multiple options for Edgebrook irrigation
Summary
City staff reported multiple approaches to secure long-term irrigation for Edgebrook Golf Course: runoff capture, expanded ponds, purchasing treated water, a city-owned well, or hookup to BMU raw water. One test well yielded an estimated 300–350 gallons per minute, but pumps would need to run long hours; staff will present cost estimates in early 2025.
City parks and recreation staff presented options for a sustainable, long-term water supply for Edgebrook Golf Course after several investigated sources proved insufficient.
The department reported it tested multiple approaches including runoff capture, expanding holding ponds and drainage tiles, purchasing treated water from BMU and drilling test wells on newly obtained land near the aquifer edge. Of the test wells drilled on private property south of the golf course, staff said one appeared to be viable at an estimated 300–350 gallons per minute. Staff noted that meeting the course’s irrigation needs at that yield would require pumps to run roughly 19 hours per day.
Staff also said the city is evaluating a potential connection to a well now used for irrigation at the Southbrook softball fields (which is currently operating at roughly one-eighth of its capacity) and is discussing a possible connection to BMU raw-water lines near the railroad crossing. The department emphasized each option carries different capital, acquisition and maintenance costs—acquiring land for a city-owned well, upsizing pumps, or extending raw-water piping would have different long-term costs.
Park and recreation staff said they will finalize cost estimates and prepare a recommendation for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and the council in early 2025. Council members asked whether the city would purchase land if needed; staff said land acquisition is an option and would be included in any proposal and cost estimate.
Next steps: staff to complete cost estimates on all viable alternatives and return with a final recommendation in early 2025.
