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Policy & Compliance

This page is designed to make AB 1572 easier to understand, but it’s not a substitute for the actual law. When in doubt, check the full legislative text and consider reaching out to legal counsel for clarity.

AB 1572 is a California law prohibiting the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including common areas of homeowners’ associations. This means areas like ornamental grass strips, expansive lawns in corporate parks, and unused patches of grass are affected. The law aims to conserve water in the face of ongoing drought conditions.

Read the full text of California’s new non-functional turf law, AB 1572, here. 

Timeline

Beginning January 1, 2027

  • Properties owned or leased by the Department of General Services (state government) and other state and local government properties must discontinue the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf.

Beginning January 1, 2028

  • The ban extends to commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including business parks, hospitals, educational campuses, and similar locations

Beginning January 1, 2029

  • Common areas of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), common interest developments, and community service organizations or similar entities must comply with the prohibition.

Beginning January 1, 2031 (or later)

  • The ban applies to local government-managed properties located in disadvantaged communities (DACs), but only once state funding becomes available to support the transition—a recognition of financial constraints in lower-resource areas

Enforcement and Penalties

AB 1572 requires local water suppliers to adopt and enforce their own policies around the prohibition of potable water on nonfunctional turf. Because these policies are developed and implemented at the local level, enforcement measures and penalties may vary depending on where you are located.

To help property owners and managers stay informed, use our Commercial Turf Compliance Portal to check if your water supplier has adopted a policy, and review any associated enforcement actions or penalties.

Check Local Enforcement

Note: This information is intended as a guide. For the most accurate details about compliance and enforcement in your area, please refer to your water supplier’s official website and policy.

Self Certification

Owners of large properties (e.g., over 5,000 sq ft of irrigated area) must self-certify compliance to the State Water Resources Control Board. Deadlines vary:

  • For commercial, institutional, and industrial properties: certification begins by June 30, 2029, then every three years through 2038.

  • For multifamily residential properties (like HOAs): certification starts by June 30, 2030, continuing every three years through 2039

The self-certification process has not yet been developed by the State Water Board. Check back for updates!