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Webinar outlines AB1572 compliance timeline and how nonfunctional turf will be defined
Summary
Presenters at a CAW webinar summarized AB1572’s goals and phased deadlines, explained the difference between functional and nonfunctional turf, and advised agencies and HOAs on inventory, phasing and documentation needed to comply.
A California Water Efficiency Partnership webinar on AB1572 walked property managers and local leaders through what the new state rule requires and how to prepare.
Carlos, a trainer from Adas Water Management, said AB1572 emerged from recent drought responses and a 2021 executive order limiting potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf. "The intent is to reduce unnecessary water use," he said, explaining the policy prohibits potable water irrigation of turf that is ornamental rather than recreational.
Why it matters: the law phases in compliance by property type. Carlos summarized the key dates: state and local government properties must comply by January 1, 2027; certain institutional properties follow later; and homeowners associations and similar multi‑family properties have a January 1, 2029 compliance date. Large properties (over 5,000 square feet) will be asked to self‑certify the area of nonfunctional turf, with the state board scheduling a future certification process.
What counts as nonfunctional turf: Carlos defined "functional turf" as grass used for recreation (parks, playgrounds, picnic areas) and "nonfunctional turf" as ornamental turf found in medians, parking‑lot islands and other locations not used by the public. He recommended managers inventory sites using landscape drawings, meter data and site‑audit tools to identify zones that are irrigated but unused.
Implementation guidance: presenters emphasized phasing conversions over multiple years to match capital improvement budgets and to protect large trees when removing turf. Practical steps include mapping irrigation zones to meter reads to spot high‑use areas, creating a master landscape plan, documenting square footage and photographic evidence for state review, and prioritizing areas where irrigation runoff or infrastructure damage (e.g., cracked sidewalks) indicates obvious waste.
Exceptions and enforcement: presenters noted limited exceptions (for example, some tree protection or functional corridors) but stressed that where turf under trees is nonfunctional it may still be covered. Rosalyn Pisa, the city engineer for El Paso de Robles City, said the city is not currently issuing fines specifically under AB1572; the State Water Resources Control Board retains penalty authority. She advised property owners to track documentation because self‑certification and future audits will require records.
Next steps: attendees were urged to begin inventories now, seek rebates and incentives that can offset conversion costs, and engage communities early to reduce resistance and incorporate design preferences. Presenters said statewide and local resources (including nonfunctionalturfca.org and local water agency tools) are available to support planning and compliance.
