As part of a long-term strategy to conserve California’s water supply, a new statewide law (Assembly Bill 1572) is changing how we manage landscaping. Unlike previous emergency drought restrictions, this new rule is permanent. Therefore, it applies whether our local reservoirs are full or empty.
The core of the law restricts using drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf – grass that exists purely for aesthetics rather than actual use. While local water agencies across San Diego County will largely handle enforcement, the state is backing up the mandate with potential fines of up to $1,000 per day.
What exactly is nonfunctional turf?
Think of the grass that nobody ever walks or plays on. Common targets include:
- Narrow strips of lawn lining parking lots or retail centers.
- Grassy patches along sidewalks, street medians, or the edges of buildings.
- Decorative corporate park lawns.
What about the exceptions?
San Diego homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief: single-family homes are entirely exempt from this specific law. You can also still use recycled water on nonfunctional turf, and tap water can still be used to keep surrounding trees and plants alive.
Additionally, any grass that actually gets used (functional turf) is safe. This includes:
- Parks, picnic areas, and playgrounds
- Sports fields and golf courses
- Cemeteries
Rollout timeline for the new law
The restrictions won’t happen overnight. San Diego businesses and communities have a few years to transition:
- January 1, 2027: The rules kick in for state and local government properties, libraries, courthouses, and public water systems.
- January 1, 2028: The ban expands to commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (think office parks, shopping centers, and car dealerships).
- January 1, 2029: Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and common-interest developments must stop using drinking water on their shared decorative lawns.
- January 1, 2031: Public properties in designated disadvantaged communities must comply (though this deadline may stretch if state funding for turf replacement isn’t available yet).
