Repurposing rising groundwater to lower costs and boost biodiversity

2025

A growing problem in the UAE is rising groundwater. Due to golf course flooding, the Els Club has installed extensive pumping systems to remove groundwater and rescue the natural aesthetics and design intent of the golf course. This groundwater is also sent to the local treatment plant where it is treated to be reused as irrigation water.

To reduce the groundwater volume, strain on public infrastructure, lower carbon footprint of treatment, cut operational costs and boost biodiversity in many areas of the golf course, we have installed pumps to remove groundwater and use it to irrigate biodiversity zones that would otherwise be barren desert.

Currently we offset around 17,000m3 of groundwater per month to irrigate our biodiversity zones, successfully turning a significant challenge into wildlife habitat and a solution for biodiversity. This has been one of our most visible and meaningful ways to showcase sustainability on the golf course!