Sunday 8 April 2012

WATERING CRICKET SQUARES DURING HOSEPIPE BAN


From Marin Deans, Groundsmen's Association

Please see the latest advice from Anglian Water (below in bold type) on the watering of cricket squares. Hardly seems relevant at this particular time, does it? But at some point we will need to water in the weeks to come. It is a commonsense stance taken by the water companies and in no way is it being treated as a victory of any sort by the ECB or clubs that have mounted their own challenge to the ban.
It is also not a licence to water as we probably did in previous years.
We need to address the way we water, where we source that water from, and how best to preserve the moisture in the soil profile that we will create and what nature will allow us this season.
Cover management, keeping the height of the grass on the square a lot longer than normal, watering for the purpose of health and safety early morning or very late evening and watering, where possible, under covers, altering rolling practices...these are just some of the ways in which we can help conserve water.
It's now time for clubs to be proactive, rather than reactive, and look at alternative sources of water supply. Below is the statement from the Anglian Water website:
General sports playing areas are not exempt. However, where Health & Safety issues are identified the playing area in question can be watered. Best practice should be adopted to minimise watering. Examples of where Health & Safety issues may exist are Cricket, Football and Rugby. 
Bowls and Golf would not present significant risks. 



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