More than 140 golf clubs across England breached their water extraction licences between 2021 and 2025, according to data analysis by the Guardian. This represents approximately one in 12 golf clubs in the country.
Over a third of these clubs were found to be taking water illegally from the environment. This involved either exceeding the permitted amount or removing water outside of the allowed period. Other breaches included clubs not properly reporting or monitoring their water usage, or not doing so at all.
The data indicates that 100 of these breaches posed a risk to the environment. However, none of these infringements have resulted in a prosecution or a fine. Amy Fairman, head of campaigns at River Action, described these figures as “absolutely unacceptable,” suggesting a lack of meaningful consequences for licence breaches.
The Environment Agency (EA) stated it has improved its ability to monitor and detect licence breaches. An EA spokesperson said their initial response is to work with abstractors to achieve compliance, but they would take further action if necessary. The overall number of breaches has more than doubled in the five-year period, which is likely due to digitisation of records and improved monitoring.
Dr. Megan Klaar, an associate professor in hydroecology, warned that low water levels can increase temperature, concentrate pollutants, and dry out rivers, impacting species habitat. England Golf, representing clubs, stated it provides guidance on managing water shortages and aims to help clubs become sustainable in their water usage.