Commercial Landscape Restrictions
AB 1572 and nonfunctional turf
Assembly Bill 1572, a change to the California Water Code initiated by the State, was signed into law October 2023 with the goal of promoting water efficiency and preserving the state’s water supply. It prohibits the use of drinking water for irrigation of decorative lawns at commercial, industrial and institutional locations, and within HOAs.
Read the full legislative text of AB 1572
Will our community be affected?
To some extent. But the good news is almost all of the public and commercial landscape in the Irvine Ranch Water District service area — including street medians, college campuses, business complexes, and homeowners association properties — is irrigated with recycled water. Recycled water is droughtproof and not subject to the nonfunctional restriction.
What is nonfunctional turf?
Nonfunctional turf is grass that is purely aesthetic and not otherwise used for human recreation. These areas of grass are commonly found between sidewalks and streets, in front of businesses and in common areas of properties maintained by homeowners associations.
Grass areas used for recreation or civic events, such as parks, school fields and sports fields are considered functional turf and therefore not affected by AB 1572.
Grass on the property of residential homes is not affected by AB 1572. Residential customers can still water their yards.
Who does AB 1572 apply to?
AB 1572 applies to:
- Properties owned by state and/or local governments
- Commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) properties
- Common areas of homeowners associations and common interest developments
AB 1572 does not apply to:
- Any grass or landscaping irrigated with recycled water
- Residential landscapes
- School sports fields, community parks, athletic fields and cemeteries
- Areas needed for pet use at vet offices or animal shelters
- Grass watered directly beneath tree canopies or shrubs
When do you have to comply with AB 1572?
CII properties must discontinue the use of drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf by the following dates.
- Public properties owned by state and/or local governments: Jan. 1, 2027
- Commercial, industrial and institutional properties: Jan. 1, 2028
- Homeowners associations: Jan. 1, 2029
- Public properties owned by local governments in disadvantaged communities: Jan. 1, 2031
Self-certification
CII properties with 5,000+ square feet of irrigated turf must self-certify to the State Water Resources Control Board that their property is in compliance every three years beginning June 30, 2030. HOA properties with 5,000+ square feet of irrigated turf must self-certify that their property is in compliance every three years beginning June 30, 2031. The State Water Resources Control Board is in the process of developing the self-certification form.
The benefits of removing nonfunctional turf
Replacing nonfunctional turf with more sustainable landscapes will help reduce water bills, increase your landscape’s resilience to droughts and help California move toward a more water-efficient future.
IRWD is here to help
The District is prioritizing education and awareness of AB 1572. We are here to share information on water regulations and rebates to help support your water efficiency goals.
Take advantage of IRWD rebates and resources:
- Turf Replacement Program: Commercial customers receive $5 per square foot and public agencies receive $4 per square foot for removing grass irrigated with drinking water.
- Spray to Drip Program: Replace your standard spray irrigation with a drip system and receive up to $1 per square foot of converted area.
- Rotating nozzles: Replace pop-up spray heads with rotating nozzle heads and receive $4 per nozzle.
- Sprinkler Repair Program: Get sprinklers repaired, with IRWD paying 50% of the costs.
Rebate levels are subject to change; check the IRWD webpages above for the most updated details.
Contact us
For questions, contact IRWD Water Efficiency at 949-453-5581 or WaterEfficiency@IRWD.com.
