California law (AB 1572) will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose—at most commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, including common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs).
New rules create an opportunity to rethink outdoor spaces. Many lawns are costly to maintain and rarely used. With the right planning, they can be transformed into attractive, water-wise landscapes that can reduce costs, look beautiful, and help protect local water supplies for the future—and contribute to a higher-quality, more appealing community environment.
This regulation does not apply to single-family residential homes.
What is Nonfunctional Turf (or Lawn)?
Nonfunctional lawn refers to irrigated lawn that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings.
If the only time people walk on the lawn is to mow it, it’s likely nonfunctional.
Common Examples of Nonfunctional Lawn
- Narrow lawn strips in or around parking lots.
- Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges, or fences.
- Lawn between buildings with no seating, access, or activity.
- Lawn in medians, roundabouts, or entry signage zones.
- Sloped or oddly-shaped areas that are hard to use or water efficiently.
Allowed Exceptions
- Single-family properties are not included in the regulation.
- Parks and public recreational spaces.
- Sports fields.
- Lawn watered with recycled water.
- Health and safety needs.
- Cemeteries.
- Areas within/under the canopy of a tree.
- Any other areas where people regularly gather, play, or engage in recreational activities.
Compliance Timeline
January 1, 2027
Public properties owned or managed by state and local governments, including public school districts.
January 1, 2028
Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (CII).
January 1, 2029
Common areas managed by homeowner associations, common-interest development, and community service organizations.
January 1, 2031
Public properties in disadvantaged communities, contingent upon available state financial assistance or when state funding for lawn replacement becomes available.
*You are not required to replace lawn by these dates—only to stop irrigating with potable water *
Certification Requirements
Properties with 5,000+ square feet irrigated area must self-certify compliance to the State Water Board every 3 years.
- Public agencies: starting June 30, 2029
- CII properties: starting June 30, 2030
- Multifamily and HOA common areas: starting June 30, 2031
*The State has not yet issued a form or method to file for self-certification.
Lawn-to-Garden Rebate Program
Our program is designed to encourage low-water-use, aesthetically appealing native landscapes. It is an excellent resource for our customers wanting to reduce their outdoor water use as well as comply with the new law. We also offer a robust series of other programs and rebates to help maximize savings, both indoors and out.
- Agencies, multifamily properties, HOA common areas, & CII properties:
$1 / square foot of turf converted
*Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to available funding. Programs may be modified or discontinued at any time.
What Customers Should Do Next
1. Identify and Document Nonfunctional Lawn
Walk your property to assess where lawn is present. Note areas that are unused, narrow, or purely ornamental. Determine which areas are functional and which are not. Take photos, notes, or site maps to document your findings—this record can help track progress and support future self-certification requirements.
2. Coordinate with Your Team and Make a Plan
Work with staff, landscape contractors, or maintenance crews to set goals and explore options. Include input from tenants, residents, or other site users when appropriate. Focus first on areas that are highly visible, difficult to maintain, or use the most water. Use the Cal Water conservation portal to apply for our rebates.
3. Start Small and Build Over Time
Break up the project into manageable phases to fit your budget and take advantage of our rebates. Don’t wait for the deadline; planning and phasing projects early gives you time to spread out costs and avoid rushed decisions.
*You are not required to replace lawn by the compliance dates—only to stop irrigating lawn with potable water.*
Common Questions
For resident areas, AB 1572 affects HOA common areas only. Individual homeowners are not subject to this law for their private lawns or landscaped yards. A common area is an area maintained by the HOA that is not assigned or allocated to the exclusive use of an individual dwelling unit’s occupants.
Additional Resources
Some Key Points of the Non-functional Turf Ban (AB 1572)
In October 2023, California enacted Assembly Bill 1572. This bill is sometimes called the “Non-Functional Turf Ban.” AB 1572 amended parts of the California Water Code to prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate “nonfunctional turf.” The law defines that as:
. . . any turf that is not functional turf, and includes turf located within street rights-of-way and parking lots.
AB 1572 excludes the “functional turf” from its otherwise general restrictions on the use of potable water. The law defines “functional turf” as follows:
. . . groundcover surface of turf located in a recreational use area or community space. [But the term excludes] turf enclosed by fencing or other barriers to permanently preclude human access for recreation or assembly . . ..
The new law provides an opportunity to create attractive new spaces that showcase the beauty of water-wise and native plants, increase curb appeal, and provide a vision for others to follow.
The exclusive elements of a homeowners’ unit are not subject to the Non-Functional Turf Ban. Individual homeowners should review their HOA or CID’s governing documents and may need to seek independent advice and counsel.
Customers are not required under AB 1572 to replace nonfunctional turf by the compliance date. The requirement is to stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water. Failing to comply may result in civil penalties and other enforcement measures.