Use the slider to explore a before-and-after example of nonfunctional turf replacement.
AB 1572 Overview & Timeline
California legislation signed AB 1572 on October 13, 2025, which prohibits the use of potable (drinking) water for irrigation of nonfunctional turf on commercial, industrial, institutional (CII) properties and HOA common areas throughout the State of California.
The State of California required all water purveyors to adopt a Local Regulation, Ordinance or Policy. Rowland Water District has adopted Ordinance 0-10-2025 on October 14, 2025 prohibiting potable water from being used to irrigate certain areas of nonfunctional turf. Customers impacted by the regulation will be contacted before compliance goes into effect in accordance with the implementation timeline:
CII customers and properties with more than 5,000 square feet of an irrigated area will be required to self-certify to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) every three years beginning June 30, 2030.
HOA properties with more than 5,000 square feet of an irrigated area will be required to self-certify to the SWRCB every three years beginning June 30, 2031.
Property Restrictions by Type
By January 1, 2027, California law will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf— like grass strips in parking lots, lawns under signs, or along street medians —on public properties owned and maintained by a government entity.
These new rules provide an opportunity to create welcoming new spaces that showcase the beauty of low-water use native plants, highlight your commitment to a sustainable future, and provide a vision for others in your community to follow.
AB 1572 applies to nonfunctional lawn on public properties, including, but not limited to:
- Government Buildings
- Streets and Highways
- Libraries
- Courthouses
- Public Utilities
- Police and Fire Stations
- Public Schools and Universities
- Parks and Recreation Areas
California law (AB 1572) will soon prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that students don’t play, gather, or picnic on—at all educational institutions in the state.
Educational institutions have a unique opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate how replacing nonfunctional lawn with water-wise plants can save money, conserve water, and create fun, hands-on learning opportunities.
Note: Public schools and universities must be in compliance beginning January 1, 2027, while private schools and universities compliance begins on January 1, 2028.
- Elementary Schools
- Junior High Schools
- High Schools
- Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Universities
California law (AB 1572) will soon prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that students don’t play, gather, or picnic on—at all educational institutions in the state.
Educational institutions have a unique opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate how replacing nonfunctional lawn with water-wise plants can save money, conserve water, and create fun, hands-on learning opportunities.
Note: Public schools and universities must be in compliance beginning January 1, 2027, while private schools and universities compliance begins on January 1, 2028.
- Elementary Schools
- Junior High Schools
- High Schools
- Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Universities
By January 1, 2029, California law will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose— at common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs).
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.
- Nonfunctional turf areas that are irrigated with recycled water.
- Turf used for recreation. This means that where recycled water is not available, drinking water can still be used on school fields, sports fields and areas regularly used for civic or community events, multifamily residential properties, and cemeteries.
- Single-family residential properties, including those located in HOAs. Residential customers can still water their yards in accordance with RWD’s conservation mandates.
- Exceptions made for tree health.
Why Does This Matter?
What is Nonfunctional Turf?
Nonfunctional turf refers to irrigated lawn that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings. If the landscaper is the only person who walks on the grass, it’s likely nonfunctional. Below are some examples:
- Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges or fences
- Unused patches of turf near signage or building entries
- Sloped lawn areas
- Grass in medians, roundabouts, parking lots, or entry signage zones
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