What is AB 1572?

The State of California has enacted Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) to reduce water waste and support long-term water conservation.  AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable (drinking) water for irrigation purposes on non-functional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose at commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, including common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs).

A great resource for further information: https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/

The Casitas Board of Directors approved an updated Ordinance of the Casitas Municipal Water District establishing water waste prohibitions, Ordinance No. 2026-01 on July 8, 2026 to include compliance with Assembly Bill 1572.

What is non-functional turf (NFT)?

Nonfunctional lawn refers to irrigated lawn that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings. If the landscaper is the only person who ever walks on the lawn, it’s likely nonfunctional.

Some examples include: Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges, or fences.  Lawn in medians, roundabouts, parking lots, entry signage zones, and sloped areas. 

This legislation does not apply to single-family or multi-family residential properties, cemeteries, areas irrigated with recycled water, or areas requiring an exception for tree health and situations requiring an exception to address an immediate health and safety need.

Why was this law passed?

Drought is a way of life in California, and periods of drought are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate continues to warm. By transforming areas of lawn that serve no purpose into water-wise landscapes, California can save millions of gallons of drinking water a year. This will help strengthen California’s ability to endure future droughts and protect this precious resource.

When does AB 1572 take effect?

• January 1, 2027: Public properties owned or managed by local governments, including public school districts, must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.
• January 1, 2028: Commercial, Industrial, & Institutional (CII) properties, including private schools, must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.
• January 1, 2029: Common areas managed by Homeowner Associations (HOAs) must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.

Act Now: Follow these steps to stay compliant with AB 1572 and CMWD's Water Waste Ordinance

Step 1: Determine the types of turf on your  property (Functional vs. Non-Functional).

Step 2: Start planning turf conversion projects to meet compliance requirements.

Step 3:  Visit https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/ for assistance and guidance.

 AB 1572 General Fact Sheet  can be downloaded here: