AB 1572 NonFunctional Turf Watering Ban

Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 is a California law aimed at conserving water and promoting sustainable landscaping by banning the irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable (drinking) water on:

  • Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
  • Common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs) and similar entities

This law does not apply to residential lawns.

 

RESOURCES

A great resource for further information: https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/

Link to Water Conservation Rebates

AB 1572 - This State Law supports California's goals of reducing water use, increasing drought resilience, and addressing climate change. It reflects state policy that every drop of water must be used wisely. 

Ordinance No. 26-1 - The Carpinteria Valley Water District Board of Directors approved Ordinance No. 26-1 establishing water waste prohibitions on Oct. 28 to include compliance with Assembly Bill 1572.

 

FUNCTIONAL VS. NONFUNCTIONAL TURF

The image contrasts a nonfunctional street scene with a functional soccer game, highlighting active use of space.
Nonfunctional turf is grass that is not used for recreation or community gatherings, such as turf in road medians or unused strips outside businesses. AB 1572 restricts watering it with drinking water on affected properties.
Functional turf is grass used for recreation or gatherings, such as sports fields, picnic areas, and community spaces.

 

WHEN DOES AB 1572 TAKE EFFECT?

  • January 1, 2027: Public properties owned or managed by local governments, including public school districts, must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.
  • January 1, 2028: Commercial, Industrial, & Institutional (CII) properties, including private schools, must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.
  • January 1, 2029: Common areas managed by Homeowner Associations (HOAs) must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.

 

COMPLY WITH AB 1572

  1. Determine the types of turf on your property (Functional vs. Non-Functional).
  2. Start planning turf conversion projects to meet compliance requirements.
  3. Visit https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/ for assistance and guidance.
INFO & REBATES 
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