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Folsom staff outline state's nonfunctional-turf law and city outreach plan
Summary
Utility staff briefed council on Assembly Bill 1572, which bars potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf on many nonresidential properties beginning Jan. 1, 2027 for government sites; staff outlined exemptions, timelines and an outreach and site-identification dashboard for affected customers.
City utility staff presented a briefing March 24 about Assembly Bill 1572 and what it will require of property owners and water suppliers. The presenter described the state rule as a restriction on "using potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on commercial, institutional or industrial properties and HOA properties," with exemptions for sports fields, cemeteries, and areas irrigated with recycled water.
The presentation explained the staged timeline: local government properties are subject to the rule Jan. 1, 2027, other commercial and industrial properties follow in subsequent phases, and large properties and HOAs must self-certify compliance starting in 2030–2031. Staff said the City will offer a "Water Influence" dashboard to help nonresidential customers identify nonfunctional turf on their parcels and that outreach materials and webinars will be posted and shared beginning in March and April.
Councilmembers asked about penalties and the city's enforcement discretion. Councilmember Aquino said she was frustrated that local governments become "the messenger for the state" and asked what penalties the city would face for failing to notify customers; staff said the State Water Resources Control Board could impose fines (noting amounts up to $1,000/day as provided by the law) but enforcement is discretionary. Staff emphasized that the bill does not order immediate removal of turf and that irrigation may continue when recycled water or tree health exemptions apply.
Staff told the council the city would return with an ordinance update and provide resources for customers, including site visits and a web tool, and indicated the city would begin outreach with affected customer classes in March and April.
