AB 1572 is a California law that prohibits the irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable (drinking) water on Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) properties beginning in 2027.
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 will soon prohibit the use of drinking water for irrigation of decorative lawns at commercial, industrial, and institutional locations, including common areas within HOAs.
Grass on the property of residential homes is not affected by AB 1572. Residential customers can still water their yards.
Date | Properties Affected |
January 1, 2027 | State and local government properties |
January 1, 2028 | Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties |
January 1, 2029 | HOA common areas and similar common-interest developments |
January 1, 2031 | Certain local government properties in disadvantaged communities or where state funding provisions apply |
AB 1572 is a California law designed to reduce water waste by limiting the use of drinking water on certain decorative grass areas that do not serve a recreational or community purpose.
Nonfunctional turf is ornamental grass that is maintained primarily for appearance and is not used for recreation, sports, gatherings, or community activities. Examples may include decorative grass in medians, parking lots, and landscape strips.
Functional turf is grass located in areas intended for recreation or community use, including:
No. Single-family residential properties are exempt from AB 1572. Homeowners may continue watering their lawns.
No. AB 1572 does not require grass removal. The law restricts the use of potable (drinking) water for irrigating certain nonfunctional turf areas.
Parks and sports fields are considered “functional turf.” Functional turf used for recreation and community activities is exempt.
Yes. Your yard is considered functional turf. AB 1572 only applies to commercial properties and areas of an HOA that are in common-areas and nonfunctional.
Beginning January 1, 2029, homeowners’ association (HOA) common areas with nonfunctional turf may not use potable (drinking) water for irrigation. This includes ornamental grass areas, such as parking lot medians, landscape strips, neighborhood entrances, and other decorative turf that does not serve a recreational or community function.