Santa Clarita Organizations Learn Turf Irrigation Law
Local groups met to review the upcoming phase-out of non-functional turf irrigation mandated by state law.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Landscaping
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Should local businesses be required to comply with state-mandated non-functional turf irrigation bans?
SCV Water and CalWEP hosted a workshop at the Hyatt Regency Valencia for over 50 organizations to discuss California Assembly Bill 1572. The legislation prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf, though the law does not apply to residential customers.
Why it matters
Understanding these regulations is vital for local organizations as they prepare to meet mandated deadlines for phasing out non-functional turf irrigation. The law seeks to improve water efficiency across public, commercial, and shared residential spaces.
Representatives from 50 organizations attended the workshop to discuss compliance with AB 1572. State and local agencies must meet the irrigation ban by January 1, 2027, while commercial properties follow in 2028 and HOAs by 2029.
The players
SCV Water
The local water agency serving the Santa Clarita Valley that provides resources for drought-tolerant landscaping and water conservation.
CalWEP
The California Water Efficiency Partnership, a professional organization focused on developing statewide water conservation and efficiency standards.
The details
AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water on decorative turf that serves no functional purpose, such as office landscaping or common area grass that is not used for sports or events. The workshop provided attendees with specific resources and programs to help identify non-functional turf and transition to water-efficient landscaping. Compliance is required on a rolling basis, with different entity types facing distinct deadlines over the next three years.
Timeline
January 1, 2024: AB 1572 became law.
October 15, 2026: Workshop held for organizations.
January 1, 2027: State and local agencies must cease non-functional turf irrigation.
2028: Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) properties must comply.
2029: HOA common areas and mobile home parks must comply.
The Home Front
This legislation marks a significant shift in California water policy, moving away from high-water-use aesthetic landscaping for institutional properties. It follows a multi-year trend of stricter state-level mandates aimed at reducing potable water consumption in non-residential sectors.
While AB 1572 does not apply to individual residential customers, homeowners living in HOAs should monitor upcoming notices from their management regarding common area landscaping changes. Residents interested in personal water conservation can consult the SCV Water non-functional turf webpage for resources.
The takeaway
Though residential properties are exempt, the ongoing transition of commercial and common-area landscaping signals a broader regional shift toward drought-resistant outdoor spaces. Homeowners can proactively research low-water yard alternatives by reviewing resources provided by their local water agency.
Further reading
Learn more about local water-efficient landscaping initiatives in our Landscaping guide.
More information
Find detailed guidance on the regulation on the SCV Water non-functional turf webpage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hometown Station | KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220.
Live Poll
Should local businesses be required to comply with state-mandated non-functional turf irrigation bans?
