In fall of 2023, Assembly Bill 1572 was passed prohibiting the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf located on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (CII). The legislation will be phased in beginning Jan. 1, 2027 starting with state, local government, and public agency buildings.
What is nonfunctional turf?
Nonfunctional turf (NFT) is mowed grass not used for recreation, civic and/or other community events. It includes turf irrigated for aesthetics such as street medians, lawn strips, and in parking lots.
Example below of nonfunctional turf at a municipality that was transformed into a water-wise landscape.
What is functional turf?
Functional turf can include sports fields, parks, golf courses, or other turf used for recreation, such as playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas. The terms “turf” and “lawn” are used interchangeably to describe areas of maintained grass.
What is the purpose of the law?
The law moves California toward a more waterwise future by promoting climate‑adapted landscapes and to safeguard our drinking water supplies.
What properties are affected?
The irrigation ban applies to CII properties including, but not limited to:
- Local governments, local or regional public agencies, and public water systems
- Educational institutions
- Businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, grocery
- Office, warehouse, and industrial buildings
- Hospitals, religious institutions
- Homeowners' associations and common interest developments (CID)
Cemeteries, apartments not part of a CID, and properties using recycled/non-potable water to irrigate are exempt.
When will the law take effect?
Compliance will be phased in, beginning:
- January 1, 2027: State, local government, and public agency buildings, including public schools and universities.
- January 1, 2028: Institutional, commercial, and industrial properties, including private schools and universities.
- January 1, 2029: All common areas of properties of homeowners’ associations, and common interest developments.
- January 1, 2031 or when funding is available: All properties owned by local governments, local public agencies, and public water systems in a disadvantaged community.
Why convert turf?
Converting turf to a water-wise landscape is an alternative to shutting off irrigation completely. With efficient irrigation and climate appropriate plants, regenerative landscapes save water, support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and beautify our communities.
EBMUD offers lawn conversion rebates for commercial customers.
Need inspiration? Watch this short video featuring 5 commercial landscapes that transformed their lawn or visit a sustainable garden near you!
Resources
- Watch this webinar or download the presentation on the nonfunctional turf (AB 1572)
- View additional statewide resources
- More information can be found on State Water Resources Control Board
Frequently asked questions
No, the law only applies to CII properties that use potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf.
Yes, the law allows for the irrigation of existing/mature trees within nonfunctional turf.
If you cap off sprinklers within nonfunctional turf that were irrigating trees, it is important to ensure that the tree root zone is still being irrigated.
If you are planning to convert your lawn, learn how to protect and maintain existing trees as they transition from being in turf to low water landscapes. Watch this webinar, or find additional information on CalWEP.
Newly planted trees should be placed on their own irrigation valve or zone so they can be watered efficiently without continuing to irrigate surrounding nonfunctional turf.
Potable water may be used to maintain the health of existing trees and other perennial plantings even if the surrounding area is considered nonfunctional turf.
You may email waterconservation@ebmud.com if you have further questions.