New laws and regulations take effect in California each year, covering everything from phone use in schools to parking rules. Some changes are easy to overlook, but missing them can lead to unexpected fines or other penalties. Now, a new water-related rule is about to kick in starting January 1st, limiting when certain types of grass can be watered with drinking water, The Mercury News reports.
What to know about California’s new lawn-watering rule
Known as Assembly Bill 1572, the law was approved in October 2023 and is designed to reduce the amount of potable water used to maintain grass that serves a decorative purpose primarily. The measure was created as a long-term water conservation policy, meaning the restrictions apply even when California is not experiencing a drought.
The rule targets “nonfunctional turf,” essentially grass that isn’t being used for recreation, play, or regular community activities. Common examples include:
🌳 Narrow strips of lawn around parking lots.
🌳 Grass along sidewalks or building edges.
🌳 Medians and decorative areas that people don’t actually use.
One important note to consider is that the law does not apply to grass at single-family homes, and functional turf remains exempt. That includes sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, golf-course play areas and other spaces regularly used for recreation or community gatherings. Cemeteries are also excluded.
Potable water can still be used when necessary to protect the health of trees and other perennial plants, or to address an immediate health or safety concern. Nonfunctional turf can still be irrigated with recycled water.
California’s Department of Water Resources offers guidance on replacing thirsty turf with water-efficient plants and gardens.
How will the new restrictions take effect?
The change will happen in phases, with different types of properties given several years to adjust their landscaping and irrigation systems.
📆 January 1, 2027: The first phase applies to state and local government properties, public agencies and public water systems (including government buildings, libraries, courthouses and other public facilities). Properties in designated disadvantaged communities will have a later deadline.
📆 January 1, 2028: The prohibition expands to commercial, industrial and institutional properties, including office complexes, shopping centers, dealerships and corporate campuses.
📆 January 1, 2029: The rules extend to common areas maintained by HOAs, common-interest developments and similar community organizations, potentially affecting shared lawns in condo and planned residential communities.
📆 January 1, 2031: The final phase covers certain public properties in disadvantaged communities, though the deadline may be extended if state funding for turf replacement is not yet available.
Local water providers will handle much of the enforcement, while the State Water Resources Control Board also has authority. The initial approach is expected to focus on education and compliance, but continued violations may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day.
