A little water wisdom goes a long way! A fixed leak, a well-timed sprinkler, or a water-wise landscape can make a difference right here in our community.
AB 1572: Nonfunctional Turf Irrigation Ban
In fall 2023, California passed Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), which prohibits using potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on specified properties. Nonfunctional turf is grass that does not serve a recreational or community purpose.
Outdoor watering accounts for a large share of water use. By reducing irrigation of decorative grass, this law helps preserve drinking water for homes, businesses, and other essential needs. Bella Vista Water District is working with our customers to help explain the requirements and encourage water-efficient landscapes.
What Is Nonfunctional Turf?
Nonfunctional turf is mowed grass maintained for appearance rather than recreation or community activities. These are lawn areas where people do not play, gather, or participate in sports or other recreational activities. Grass that is permanently inaccessible behind fencing or other barriers is also considered nonfunctional.
Common examples include:
- Streetscapes: decorative grass along streets, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and road medians.
- Building landscapes: decorative grass in front of, between, behind, or beside buildings on nonresidential properties that is not used for recreation or community gatherings.
- HOA common areas: grass in shared areas that does not serve a recreational or community purpose.
What Is Functional Turf?
Functional turf is grass in an area used for recreation or community activities. These spaces give people a place to gather, play, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Examples include:
- Parks and public recreation areas: lawns used for picnics, play, community gatherings, or other recreational activities.
- Sports fields: soccer fields, baseball fields, and similar athletic facilities.
- Recreational areas of golf courses: turf used for golf and related recreational activities.
Whether grass is functional depends on its use. Decorative grass at a park, golf course, or other recreational property is not automatically functional simply because of its location. Cemeteries are separately excluded from the prohibition.
Timeline and Who Must Comply
The prohibition takes effect in stages. Within Bella Vista Water District, affected property owners must stop using drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf by the applicable deadline below.
Compliance Requirements
Owners of certain larger properties must also certify compliance directly to the State Water Resources Control Board:
- Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties: owners of properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated area, other than cemeteries, must certify compliance beginning June 30, 2030, and every three years through 2039.
- HOAs and similar organizations: owners of properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated common area must certify compliance beginning June 30, 2031, and every three years through 2040.
The certification threshold refers to irrigated area, not just the amount of nonfunctional turf. Smaller affected properties must still comply with the irrigation prohibition even when State certification is not required. Visit the State Water Board’s AB 1572 webpage for certification instructions and updates.
Exemptions and Areas Eligible for Continued Irrigation
The prohibition does not apply to:
- Functional turf used for recreation or community activities.
- Residential lawns, including those at single-family and multifamily residences and the private residential portions of HOA properties.
- Cemeteries.
- Turf irrigated with recycled water.
HOA common areas are different from private residential lawns. Decorative grass in HOA-owned common areas remains subject to the prohibition.
Keep Trees and Other Plants Healthy
AB 1572 allows continued watering of trees and other perennial, non-grass plants. When these plants share an irrigation zone with nonfunctional turf, plan how to keep them healthy while reducing unnecessary watering of the surrounding grass.
Consider adjusting sprinklers or creating a separate irrigation zone for trees and other plants. Water according to each plant’s needs, soil conditions, and the season. For established trees, slow, deep watering across the root area is generally more helpful than frequent, shallow lawn watering.
For tree care and watering guidance, visit the Arbor Day Foundation or Canopy’s tree care resources.
Planning a Water-Efficient Landscape
AB 1572 does not require grass removal. However, replacing decorative grass with a water-efficient landscape can help you prepare for the irrigation restrictions while maintaining an attractive property.
- Identify lawn areas that are used only for appearance.
- Choose water-wise plants suited to Shasta County’s climate.
- Adjust irrigation to match the needs of your new landscape.
- Plan irrigation separately for trees and other established plants.
Visit Redding Water Smart for local plant and landscape ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to remove my grass?
No. AB 1572 prohibits using drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on affected properties. It does not require grass removal. Replacing decorative grass with a water-efficient landscape is one option for maintaining an attractive outdoor space.
Does this ban apply to my home’s lawn?
No. Residential lawns are not subject to this prohibition, including lawns at individual homes within an HOA. However, nonfunctional turf in HOA-owned common areas is subject to the requirements.
Can I still water my trees and other plants?
Yes. The law does not prohibit watering trees and other perennial, non-grass plants. Where these plants share an irrigation zone with nonfunctional turf, consider adjusting the system to water the plants separately.
Who can help me determine whether my grass is nonfunctional?
Contact Bella Vista Water District at (530) 241-1085 for questions about your property.
Additional Resources
- State Water Board — AB 1572 information and compliance updates
- State Water Board — Nonfunctional Turf Frequently Asked Questions
- AB 1572 — legislation
- Redding Water Smart — local landscape resources
Questions about how these requirements apply to your property? Contact Bella Vista Water District at (530) 241-1085.
Water Smart
Using water wisely helps protect our shared water supply. It can also reduce energy use and help manage your utility costs. Whether you are adjusting sprinklers, fixing a dripping faucet, or checking for leaks, everyday actions add up.
Bella Blue Drop Says…
Pick Up Your Free Gear!
Stop by the Bella Vista Water District office for a complimentary bag of water conservation gear, while supplies last.
- Mechanical sprinkler timer
- 10-pattern garden hose nozzle
- Soil moisture meter
- Toilet leak detection tablets
- Coloring book for kids
- And more!
Save Water Outdoors
- Water only when needed. Check the soil or use a soil moisture meter before watering.
- Avoid overwatering. Adjust watering if water runs onto sidewalks or streets.
- Use a timer or controller. Adjust watering for the season, weather, and plant needs. Consider a smart irrigation controller.
- Water early in the morning. During hot summer months, this helps reduce evaporation.
- Check your sprinklers. Repair leaks and broken heads, and direct spray toward plants rather than pavement.
Save Water Indoors
- Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Take shorter showers. Small changes can save water.
- Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
- Repair dripping faucets promptly.
- Check toilets for leaks with leak detection tablets.
- Watch for unexpected increases in water use that may indicate a leak.
How to Check for a Hidden Leak
A leak may occur underground between your meter and home or elsewhere in your plumbing system.
- Turn off all indoor and outdoor water use, including irrigation and water-using appliances.
- Record your water meter reading.
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes without using water.
- Check the meter again.
If the reading changes while all water use is off, you may have a leak. Contact the District if you need help understanding your meter reading or next steps.
Recommended Resources
- Save Our Water — conservation tips and water-efficient landscape ideas.
- EPA WaterSense — efficient fixtures, irrigation, and indoor and outdoor conservation.
- WaterSense for Kids — games and activities about saving water.
- Redding Water Smart — local water-wise landscape resources.
Questions about water conservation, turf requirements, or free conservation gear?
Contact Bella Vista Water District
(530) 241-1085