A California law (AB1572) now bans using drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf. That means you can no longer water mowed grass used for ornamental purposes. The ban aims to reduce unnecessary outdoor water use and support water conservation. It affects Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) sites. This includes common areas in homeowners' associations (HOAs) and common interest developments (CIDs).

What is nonfunctional turf?

Nonfunctional turf is mowed grass that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings. Examples include:

• Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges or fences
• Unused patches of lawn near signage or building entries
• Lawn in medians, roundabouts, parking lots or entry signage zones
• Sloped lawn areas

Definitions of functional and nonfunctional turf - Valley Water

Trees in nonfunctional turf areas

Trees are important and need water to stay healthy.  You may still use drinking water to irrigate trees in nonfunctional turf areas, but only to maintain their health.

• Caring for Trees - how to protect existing trees

Compliance Schedule

The law is being phased in. You must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf by the following dates:

• Jan. 1, 2027: Properties owned by local governments and public agencies
• Jan. 1, 2028: Commercial, industrial and other institutional properties (CII)
• Jan. 1, 2029: Common areas of HOAs, CIDs and community service organizations
• Jan. 1, 2031: Local government properties in Disadvantaged Communities, or earlier if state funding becomes available

Prepare Now

To prepare for compliance, you should:

• Identify nonfunctional turf areas on your property.
  • Learn how at CalWEP Nonfunctional Turf Resources
• Stop watering it by the compliance deadline
• Consider transforming it by:
  • Converting to water-wise landscaping (such as drought-tolerant plants)
  • Using hardscape (such as river rocks)
• Protect existing trees in nonfunctional turf areas:
  • Adjust sprinklers to only water under the tree canopy
  • Switch to tree bubblers or drip irrigation
  • Use cycle-and-soak methods to prevent runoff

For more information

Call 408-730-7734 or email Environmental Services.

Resources

Valley Water Landscape Rebate Program

Plant Factors for Turfgrasses - list and watering requirements (UC Davis) 

Valley Water Water-Waste Ordinance

California Assembly Bill 1572 (AB1572)