What is Assembly Bill 1572?
Assembly Bill 1527 was passed by the State Assembly in 2023. It will prohibit the use of potable water for the irrigation of nonfunctional turf located on commercial, industrial, municipal, institutional, and in shared spaces of common interest developments such as homeowner associations.
What is nonfunctional turf?
Assembly Bill 1572 defines nonfunctional turf as decorative grass that is not used for recreation, community events or regular, active use. These areas of grass are commonly found between sidewalks and streets, in medians, in parking lots and in front of businesses, institutions, and common areas maintained by homeowner associations.
Who does the new law affect?
Water customers affected by the law include commercial, industrial, institutional and municipal customers as well as homeowner associations with common areas. It doesn’t apply to residential homes, school fields, sports fields or areas regularly used for civic or community events. It also does not apply to areas using recycled water for irrigation.
Does the law apply to residential properties?
No, Assembly Bill 1572 does not apply to residential properties, school fields, sports fields or areas regularly used for civic or community events.
What is a common interest development?
A common interest development is a community where property owners share certain costs, common areas, and rules that are set in recorded documents commonly referred to as covenants, conditions & restrictions.
Common interest developments include:
- Homeowner associations
- Mobile home parks
- Senior communities
When do the new requirements take effect?
- Jan. 1, 2027: State and local governments
- Jan. 1, 2028: Commercial, industrial and institutional properties
- Jan. 1, 2029: Shared spaces in homeowner associations, mobile home parks and retirement communities
What are institutional properties?
Institutional properties include business parks, shopping centers, office complexes, hospitals, universities, and other non-residential establishments.
What are some benefits of removing nonfunctional turf?
By replacing non-functional turf with more sustainable landscapes, you will:
- Make a long-term investment that will pay off through reduced water bills and potential rebate incentives
- Irrigate your sustainable landscape more efficiently with high-efficiency irrigation equipment
- Increase your landscape’s resilience to future droughts and watering restrictions
- Help California move toward a greener and water-efficient future
Are there any rebates or other resources to help remove nonfunctional turf?
Find the latest residential and commercial rebates and resources on the San Diego County Water Authority website.
Who decides if turf is functional or nonfunctional?
The State Water Resources Control Board created the current definition of nonfunctional turf.
Where is recycled water available?
The City of Carlsbad has approximately 97 miles of recycled distribution pipeline. This distribution system currently supplies more than 1,000 recycled points of connection.
The sites served by recycled water include:
- La Costa Golf Course, Park Hyatt Resort and Golf Course
- The Crossings @ Carlsbad Golf Course
- Legoland California
- Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel
- Karl Strauss Brewery
Recycled water is also supplied to many of the City of Carlsbad parks, median strips, shopping areas, freeway landscaping and common areas of many homeowner associations.
How do I know if a property is using recycled water?
Recycled pipes, valves and sprinkler heads are easily recognizable by their purple color. Signs must be posted in areas where recycled water is used to indicate it is not safe to drink.
How will the new rules be enforced?
Local water agencies, cities, and counties are authorized to enforce these restrictions.
