GEPS Improves Water Conservation and Moisture Retention for Sustainable Irrigation

Kavin Venkat
Jun 5
2 min read

The Groundwater Energy Passive System (GEPS) by Exlterra is revolutionizing water management in turf and landscape environments, especially on golf courses. By enhancing soil-water interactions, GEPS delivers measurable improvements in water conservation, moisture retention, and sustainability - directly supporting environmental goals and significantly reducing the need and cost of irrigation.

GEPS and Water Conservation

GEPS is engineered to optimize the natural movement and retention of water within the soil. Their unique design:

Expands the capillary fringe, allowing water to be retained and distributed more efficiently throughout the soil profile.
Resolves hydraulic discontinuities, breaking through compacted or layered soils that typically restrict water movement.
Increases the soil’s capacity to store and retain moisture, even after rainfall or irrigation events.

These enhancements are achieved passively, requiring no external power or maintenance, making GEPS a sustainable, long-term solution for water management.

Real-World Impact: Reduced Irrigation on Golf Courses

Golf courses across diverse climates and geographies have reported dramatic reductions in irrigation needs after installing GEPS. Based on field data:

Irrigation requirements are reduced by 30-60%, depending on the region, climate, and specific area of the course.
Fairways, which traditionally require more water due to their larger surface area and exposure, see the greatest decreases in irrigation, often on the higher end of the reduction range.
Greens, with their specialized turf and soil composition will also benefit, though the percentage reduction is typically somewhat lower than fairways.

This reduction is achieved without compromising turf quality or playability, and in many cases, turf health and resilience actually improve due to more consistent soil moisture levels.

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits

The environmental advantages of GEPS extend far beyond water savings:

Supports Sustainability Goals: By reducing water consumption, GEPS helps golf courses and other managed landscapes meet regulatory and voluntary sustainability targets.
Lowers Operational Costs: Less irrigation means lower water bills, reduced energy use for pumping, and less wear on irrigation infrastructure.
Reduces Runoff and Erosion: Improved water retention decreases surface runoff, helping prevent erosion and protecting local waterways from nutrient and chemical leaching.
Promotes Healthier Soil and Turf: Enhanced moisture retention supports robust root systems and healthier plant growth, reducing the need for supplemental fertilizers and chemicals.

Why GEPS is the Future of Water Management

Traditional irrigation methods often result in uneven water distribution and excessive water loss through evaporation or runoff. GEPS addresses these challenges by:

Creating a more uniform and stable moisture profile in the soil.
Allowing rain and irrigation water to penetrate deeper and be retained longer.
Reducing the frequency and volume of supplemental irrigation required.

By leveraging advanced soil science and innovative engineering, GEPS provides a passive, maintenance-free solution that aligns with the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective water management in the turf industry.