Golf Clubs’ Water-Abstraction Licence Breaches Rise Amid England’s Drought

Data obtained from the Environment Agency (EA) via an environmental information request show that more than 140 golf clubs in England breached their water-abstraction licences over the five-year period 2021-2025. The clubs recorded 279 breaches, representing roughly 6 % of all licence infringements nationwide. Of those, 175 were classified as category 2 or 3 breaches, indicating a “reasonably foreseeable” risk to the environment, human health or quality of life. One-third of the breaches involved illegal extraction—either exceeding permitted volumes or drawing water outside the authorised period. The remaining breaches stemmed from inadequate reporting or monitoring. No prosecutions or fines have been issued for any of the infringements.

The Guardian

England’s 1,735 golf clubs mean that about one in twelve have breached a water licence in the past five years. The breaches occurred before the current 2026 drought, but they include violations during the droughts of 2022 and 2025. Over 70 % of England is now classified as being in drought after consecutive heatwaves that the Met Office has declared the hottest on record. Nine major reservoirs are at exceptionally low storage, and farmers have warned of potential food-shortage risks.

The Guardian

Dr Megan Klaar, associate professor in hydroecology at the University of Leeds, said the breaches are “bad news for the environment,” noting that low water levels can raise temperatures, concentrate pollutants and dry out rivers, threatening fish habitats. Environmental campaigner Guy Shrubsole argued that golf courses should be re-wilded, describing the sport as “a wasteful, water-guzzling, land-hungry extravagance” in a climate-crisis context. Fairman suggested clubs create small-scale reservoirs or wetlands to retain water on-site.

The Guardian

England Golf, the representative body for English clubs, said it provides guidance to members on managing water shortages. Kirstin McEvoy, head of sustainability at England Golf, stated that the organization is working with clubs to make water use more sustainable in “increasingly challenging times.” The Environment Agency says it has boosted its ability to monitor and detect abstraction breaches and will respond with advice, warning letters, fines or prosecutions as needed.

The Guardian

• “Our first response is to work with abstractors to bring them back into compliance, however we won’t hesitate to take further action if necessary.” — An Environment Agency spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Abstraction licences have strict conditions to protect the environment and are reviewed regularly. We expect all abstractors, including golf clubs, to comply fully with these licence conditions to help protect our rivers and groundwater.” — An Environment Agency spokesperson

The Guardian