Complaints to the Archuleta County Water Quality Department regarding ‘sewer-like’ smells coming from golf course lawns after watering prompted an investigation into what could be the cause. Earlier this month, Water Quality Department Manager Kevin Torrez met with course owner John Janowski, Department of Property and Environment Manager, Larry Lynch, and Wyndam Operations Manager Tom Barns, to discuss the issue.
Larry Lynch added, “I suspect it is simply decomposing biomass in the lake, kind of that hydrogen sulfide odor, a byproduct of bacterial decomposition that’s released as a gas. See it often in small, shallow bodies of water. I don’t believe it is anything toxic, but I’m not an expert on it. It may subside as we get into some cooler nights here in August, hopefully, but difficult to know for sure. I’m just making an educated guess here on what’s going on.
I think it may be possible to mitigate some of that issue with a management plan, but that would involve getting the owners involved and probably some level of funding, research and development of a plan. Could include things like lake aeration or other means. Technically, the water is owned by PAWSD, and is primarily used to irrigate the golf course under agreement. The lake level fluctuates as irrigation is pulled out, but then recharged via a pumping system from nearby lakes.”
Course owner John Janowski & Tom Barns, worked to fill the lake to an appropriate flow level and the smell subsided a great deal. We will continue to have fluctuations in the smell’s intensity, but we are hoping it calms as the weather changes. Lake water levels will continue to be monitored. The lake will also be treated in early spring to mitigate the smell come watering time next summer.
Torrez said it was a group effort to find the problem, and the solution. “The golf course and Wyndham have a plan to keep the smells at a minimum for the remainder of the year and are looking to begin mitigation efforts early next year. I will keep an eye on the situation and give a report in the next month or so,” Torrez explained.
For more information, please contact the Water Quality Department, 970-264-8342, or visit archuletacounty.org/754/water-quality-department.
Ashley Springer began working as Archuleta County Communications Specialist and Public Information Officer in 2023.