Nonfunctional Turf (AB 1572)

California’s Assembly Bill 1572, signed in 2023, phases in a prohibition on using potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (CII).

Nonfunctional turf means any turf that is not functional turf, and includes turf located within street rights-of-way and parking lots. 

Functional turf means  a ground cover surface of turf located in a recreational use area or community space. Turf enclosed by fencing or other barriers to permanently preclude human access for recreation or assembly is not functional turf.  Recreational Use means an area designated by a property owner or a governmental agency to accommodate human foot traffic for recreation, including, but not limited to, sports fields, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas. This recreation may be either formal or informal.

The ban does not apply to residential yards, sports fields, parks, or turf irrigated with recycled or non‑potable water.

What needs to be done?

CII properties must discontinue the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf by the deadlines specified below. The nonfunctional turf can be converted to drought tolerant, natural landscapes - rebates are available for qualified properties to use the Lawn Be Gone Program (LINK) to assist with conversion. 

When does nonfunctional turf need to be converted?

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.
• 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. 

What are the benefits of converting nonfunctional turf?

Converting nonfunctional turf to drought-tolerant landscaping offers several environmental and economic benefits. It significantly reduces water consumption, which is critical in drought-prone areas like California, where outdoor irrigation accounts for a large portion of urban water use. Replacing grass with native or climate-appropriate plants also decreases the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and mowing, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution runoff. Additionally, these landscapes can enhance biodiversity by providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. 

Can trees continue to be irrigated? 

Yes.  The use of potable water is not prohibited to the extent necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial nonturf plantings, or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need.

Is there a map of the turf on my site?

Via the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, EMID partners with Waterfluence to assist irrigation customers with improving efficiency. Waterfluence has identified turf for many large landscapes in the EMID service area, and has a tool available where a site owner can mark their nonfunctional and functional turf.  Please see the Waterfluence Guide and visit the Waterfluence website. 

For more information, please see informational resource guides developed by the California Water Effeciency Partnership for professional landscapers, HOAs, and commercial properties here: Nonfunctional Turf