Non-Functional Turf
In fall of 2023, Assembly Bill 1572 was passed prohibiting the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf located on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (CII). The legislation will replace a temporary non-functional turf irrigation ban enacted during the last drought and will be phased in beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
What is non-functional and functional turf?
Non-functional turf is ornamental grass not used for recreation, civic and/or other community events. It includes turf irrigated for aesthetics such as street medians and parking lots.
Functional turf can include sports fields, parks, or other turf used for recreation, such as golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas.
What properties are affected?
The irrigation ban applies to Commercial and Municipal properties including those below, but not limited to:
- City and county land
- Educational institutions
- Government, public agency buildings
- Grocery and retail stores
- Homeowner association owned properties and common interest developments
- Hospitals
- Office, warehouse, and industrial buildings
- Religious institutions
- Restaurants
When will this ban tak effect?
Compliance will be phased in beginning January 1, 2027:
- State, local government, and public agency buildings beginning January 1, 2027.
- Institutional properties and all commercial and industrial properties, beginning January 1, 2028.
- All common areas of properties of homeowners’ associations, and common interest developments, beginning January 1, 2029.
- All properties owned by local governments, local public agencies, and public water systems in a disadvantaged community, beginning January 1, 2031 or when funding is available.
Why convert turf?
Converting turf to a Tahoe-Friendly landscape is an alternative to shutting off irrigation completely. With efficient irrigation and Tahoe appropriate plants, regenerative landscapes save water, support native plants and animal, sequester carbon, and beautify our communities.
The District offers a $1.50 per square foot up to 3,000 sq. ft. or $5,000 to commercial and municipal water customers. More information can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the ban only applies to commercial and municipal properties.
Yes, the bill allows for the irrigation of trees within non-functional turf. However, this is limited to trees that are newly established and not our native pine trees.
Yes, we offer a turf buy back rebate for commercial and municipal customers to replace non-functional turf to a Tahoe-Friendly landscape. The rebate is a $1.50 per square foot up to 3,000 sq. ft. or $5,000 to commercial and municipal water customers. Water customers can receive up to $100 to upgrade their irrigation controller to a Water-Sense labeled controller. More information can be found here.
Yes, the District offers free Water Wise Landscape Consultations to assist customers with irrigation scheduling, plant selection and more. Visit stpud.watersmart.com to sign up.