HomeMy WebLinkAboutG-2.1. AB 1572 Ban on Watering Non-Functional TurfAB 1572 Ban on Watering NFT with Potable Water
May 27, 2025
Page 3
INFORMATION ITEM G-2
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY
BOARD
FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: MAY 27, 2025
SUBJECT: ASSEMBLY BILL 1572 BAN ON WATERING NON-FUNCTIONAL TURF
WITH POTABLE WATER FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND
INSTITUTIONAL (CII) PROPERTIES
BACKGROUND:
Assembly Bill 1572 (Friedman), signed into law in 2023 and effective beginning January 1, 2027,
prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf (NFT) on commercial, industrial,
and institutional (CII) properties within the jurisdiction of urban retail water suppliers. Non-
functional turf is defined as turf not regularly used for recreational or community purposes—
typically ornamental grass areas like those in medians, parking strips, and business parks.
The bill aligns with California's ongoing water conservation goals and builds upon emergency
drought regulations introduced during the 2020–2022 drought years, which temporarily restricted
irrigation of such turf.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board approve the following actions:
1) Receive and file this report for informational purposes.
ANALYSIS:
AB 1572 is part of California’s long-term strategy to promote water efficiency and drought
resilience. Beginning January 1, 2027, the law prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-
functional turf on most commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties within the
jurisdiction of urban retail water suppliers. Urban water suppliers are responsible for ensuring
compliance.
Approved
Utility Board
05/27/2025
AB 1572 Ban on Watering NFT with Potable Water
May 27, 2025
Page 2
Functional Turf is turf grass that serves a specific human purpose, including:
• Recreation or community use (e.g., parks, sports fields, event spaces)
• Located at single-family homes
• Located at schools or public parks used for sports or gatherings
• Golf course playing areas
• Designated pet relief areas (e.g., at shelters, boarding facilities, vet clinics)
• Cemetery areas used for visitation or memorial events
Non-Functional Turf refers to decorative grass that is not actively used. Examples include turf:
• In medians, parkways, or along sidewalks
• In commercial driveways, parking lots, or HOA common areas
• Surrounding office buildings or schools
• Mowed grass with no active use
Exempted areas include single-family residences, turf used for recreation, sports, or community
events, turf irrigated with recycled water, areas with trees or functional landscapes. Turf irrigated
with potable water must be removed by the following deadlines:
January 2027 – all public properties
January 2028 – all commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
January 2029 – HOAs and similar common area
Urban water suppliers will need to assess existing irrigation accounts, identify non-compliant turf
areas, and educate CII customers. Additionally, public water systems must revise local regulations
or ordinances to prohibit the use of potable water on non-functional turf. Staff will start informing
affected CII customers of this new law and develop an action plan to ensure timely compliance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this informational item.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Liza Sagun Paul Reid
Environmental Programs Specialist Environmental Programs Manager
AB 1572 Ban on Watering NFT with Potable Water
May 27, 2025
Page 3
Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Danny Smith Tikan Singh
Utilities Admin and Finance Manager General Manager
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager