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Non-Functional Turf

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In fall of 2023, Assembly Bill 1572 was passed prohibiting the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf located on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (CII). The legislation will replace a temporary non-functional turf irrigation ban enacted during the last drought and will be phased in beginning Jan. 1, 2027. 

What is non-functional and functional turf?  

Non-functional turf is ornamental grass not used for recreation, civic and/or other community events. It includes turf irrigated for aesthetics such as street medians and parking lots.

Functional turf can include sports fields, parks, or other turf used for recreation, such as golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas. More information can be found on this fact sheet...



    

 

 Non-functional turf at Bradley Park in San Marcos before being replaced with low-water use landscaping.

 

 The parking lot at Bradley Park with new low-water use landscaping.

Example of non-functional turf at a municipal parking lot that was transformed into a water-wise landscape.

What properties are affected?  

The irrigation ban applies to CII properties including those below, but not limited to:  

More information for property managers...

When will this ban take effect?  

Compliance will be phased in beginning January 1, 2027:

  • State, local government, and public agency buildings beginning January 1, 2027.
  • Institutional properties and all commercial and industrial properties, beginning January 1, 2028.
  • All common areas of properties of homeowners’ associations, and common interest developments, beginning January 1, 2029. (Document the changes made to the non-functional lawn areas. Check NonFunctionalTurfCA.org to determine how to certify your HOA’s adherence to the law. Documentation could include the reduction in water used, the square footage of non-functional lawn transformed, and types of irrigation system upgrades.)
  • All properties owned by local governments, local public agencies, and public water systems in a disadvantaged community, beginning January 1, 2031 or when funding is available. 

Why convert turf?  

Converting turf to a water-wise landscape is a smart alternative to completely shutting off your irrigation system. With efficient irrigation and climate appropriate plants, regenerative landscapes save water, support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and beautify our communities. If you're struggling to imagine what your property will look like after the lawn is gone, view these videos, featuring commercial landscape transformations within our service area: 

   
    
         


Frequently asked questions

  • Does the ban apply to residential properties?
    No, the ban only applies to CII properties.  
  • Does the ban apply to recycled or well water?
    No, the ban prohibits the use of potable water only to irrigate non-functional turf at CII properties. 
  • I have trees in my turf. Can I still irrigate them?
    Yes, the bill allows for the irrigation of trees within non-functional turf.
  • Are there rebates to help with replacing non-functional turf?

    Yes, our water wholesaler, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, may offer a variety of rebates for commercial customers to replace non-functional turf with a water-wise landscape. Rebate information can be found here...    

 

For additional assistance or questions, contact the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) or a member of Vallecitos' Water Conservation team.