Nonfunctional Turf Regulations (AB 1572)
About AB 1572
In 2023, California passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 to prohibit using potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turfgrass (ornamental lawns) on commercial, industrial, institutional (CII) properties and homeowners’ association (HOA) common areas. The legislation will be phased in beginning January 1, 2027. Turf that is considered “functional” may continue to be irrigated with potable water, and nonfunctional turf may still be irrigated with recycled water.
AB 1572 also requires public water suppliers to update their regulations, ordinances, or policies to include the requirements of AB 1572 on or before January 1, 2027.
What is Nonfunctional Turf?
“Nonfunctional turf” is turf that is solely ornamental and not used for recreation or for civic, ceremonial, or community events or social gatherings. Examples include, but are not limited to:
“Functional turf” includes, but is not limited to, sports fields, parks, or other turf used for recreation, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and the play areas of golf courses.
Artificial turf is not included in this definition and is not subject to AB 1572 requirements.
Compliance Timeline
The use of potable (drinking) water for irrigation of nonfunctional turfgrass is prohibited as of:
Properties Affected
The irrigation ban applies to commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) and HOA property types including, but not limited to:
Cemeteries are exempt from AB 1572 requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ban apply to residential properties?
No. The law does not apply to single-family homes or residential yards.
The law does apply to common areas within homeowners’ associations and common interest developments, but it does not apply to individual residential yards even if they are part of a HOA.
How can I comply with this new requirement?
If you believe that you have irrigated nonfunctional turf on property subject to the prohibition, here are some options for compliance:
Turning off the automatic irrigation timer is not sufficient for long-term compliance. To discuss further options for your specific site, please feel free to reach out to the Water Department.
I have trees in my turf, can I still irrigate them?
Yes. 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. 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.
Can I make nonfunctional turf functional?
Nonfunctional turf would not be reclassified as functional unless its use and purpose genuinely change. To be considered functional under AB 1572, turf must experience regular human use, such as recreation, community gathering, or play areas. Turf that is maintained only for appearance, decoration, or ease of maintenance does not qualify as functional.
What should replace nonfunctional turf?
AB 1572 does not mandate what must replace nonfunctional turf, it only requires that potable water irrigation of nonfunctional turf stop. However, many property owners choose to enhance the appearance of their outdoor spaces by replacing turf with low-water-use or native plants, mulch, or groundcovers.
What happens if a property does not comply?
Local water suppliers are responsible for enforcing the statewide AB 1572 requirements. Enforcement is anticipated to be similar to the City’s existing water waste enforcement methods, which begins with notifying customers in violation and providing them with an opportunity to correct the issue.
Does the ban apply to recycled water?
No, the ban does not apply to recycled water. Recycled water can still be used to irrigate nonfunctional turf.