California continues to grapple with the profound effects of climate change, particularly persistent drought conditions and diminishing water resources. In response to these pressing environmental challenges, the state has enacted AB 1572 (October 13th, 2023), a piece of legislation designed to significantly enhance water conservation efforts. This law targets a specific, yet widespread, form of water waste: the irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable (drinking) water.
Why it matters:
AB 1572 is a step toward a more water-wise California. By cutting out wasteful water use and making our landscapes more sustainable, the law helps protect our drinking water and prepare for a drier future.
What is the Core Purpose of AB 1572?
At its heart, AB 1572 is a proactive measure to safeguard California's vital drinking water supplies. The law introduces a statewide prohibition on the use of potable water for irrigating "nonfunctional turf" in specific settings. Nonfunctional turf is defined as grass that serves no practical purpose for human activity or recreation. This includes, but is not limited to, ornamental grass strips along roadways, expansive lawns in corporate parks, unused patches of grass in front of commercial buildings, and other similar areas that are not regularly used for sports, play, or social gatherings. The rationale behind this ban is straightforward: in a state facing chronic water scarcity, dedicating precious drinking water to maintain purely aesthetic or unused landscapes is deemed an unsustainable and wasteful practice.
Understanding the nuances of AB 1572 is crucial for all Californians, even though the primary focus of the ban is on commercial and public properties.
The Underlying Issue: Why is This Law Necessary?
California's water supply is under immense pressure due to a combination of factors, chief among them the ongoing impacts of climate change. This manifests as reduced snowpack, earlier snowmelt, and more frequent and severe droughts. In this context, using highly treated and valuable drinking water for decorative or unused grass areas represents a significant inefficiency. The state recognizes that every drop of potable water must be managed judiciously to ensure long-term water security for its residents, agriculture, and industries.
Key Provisions of the Law: What Does AB 1572 Mandate?
- Prohibition on Potable Water for Nonfunctional Turf: The most significant aspect of AB 1572 is its direct prohibition on the use of drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf. This ban applies to a broad range of properties, including commercial, industrial, and many public or community spaces. It is critical to note that this law does not apply to single-family residential properties, though homeowners are still strongly encouraged to adopt water-wise landscaping practices.
- Promotion of Climate-Appropriate Landscaping: Beyond the prohibition, the law actively promotes and encourages the transition to "climate-appropriate landscaping." This refers to the cultivation of plants that are naturally suited to California's arid and semi-arid climate, such as native drought-tolerant species. Such landscaping significantly reduces water demand and often requires less maintenance, contributing to long-term sustainability.
- Exclusions and Exemptions: It is equally important to understand what the law does not ban. AB 1572 explicitly allows for the continued watering of "functional grass" — turf areas that serve a legitimate purpose. This includes:
- Parks and public recreational spaces.
- Sports fields (e.g., soccer fields, baseball diamonds).
- Cemeteries.
- Any other areas where people regularly gather, play, or engage in recreational activities. The intent is not to eliminate all green spaces, but to eliminate wasteful irrigation of unused turf.
Phased Implementation: When Will the Law Take Effect?
AB 1572 features a phased implementation schedule to allow property owners and managers sufficient time to adapt and transition their landscapes. This gradual rollout ensures a smoother process and provides opportunities for planning and resource allocation.
- January 1, 2027: State and local government properties will be required to cease watering nonfunctional turf with potable water. This initial phase sets an example for public entities.
- January 1, 2028: The ban extends to all commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. This broad category includes business parks, shopping centers, office complexes, hospitals, universities, and other non-residential establishments.
- January 1, 2029: Common areas within Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and other shared communities will come under the purview of the law. This ensures that communal green spaces within multi-family developments also adhere to the new water conservation standards.
- January 1, 2031 (or later): A crucial provision in the law addresses properties located within "disadvantaged communities." For these areas, the ban on watering nonfunctional turf will only take effect once dedicated funding becomes available to support the transition to water-efficient landscapes. This ensures that the financial burden of compliance does not disproportionately fall on communities with limited resources.
Specific Exceptions: Are There Any Loopholes?
While the law is stringent, it does include pragmatic exceptions to ensure public safety, environmental health, and to accommodate specific circumstances:
- Tree and Plant Health: Water can still be used to maintain the health and viability of trees and other non-turf plants within landscapes, recognizing their ecological and aesthetic value.
- Health and Safety Risks: If ceasing irrigation would pose a direct risk to public health or safety (e.g., dust control, fire prevention in specific circumstances), exemptions may apply.
- Hardship Grace Period: The law allows for a "grace period" of up to three additional years for properties facing demonstrated hardship in complying with the regulations. This provides flexibility for unique or challenging transition scenarios.
Enforcement and Compliance: Who Oversees the New Regulations?
Enforcement of AB 1572 will primarily be handled at the local level by water agencies, cities, or counties. These entities will be responsible for ensuring compliance within their respective jurisdictions. A key compliance mechanism is the requirement for property owners to certify their adherence to the rules every three years, beginning in the 2030–2031 fiscal year. This self-certification process, coupled with potential local oversight, aims to ensure widespread adoption of the new standards.
Support and Resources: What Help is Available for Transition?
Recognizing that transitioning from traditional turf to water-wise landscapes can involve significant changes, AB 1572 includes provisions for support and resources:
- State Funding and Programs: The state is committed to providing financial assistance and establishing programs to support turf replacement initiatives. A particular focus will be on assisting disadvantaged areas and affordable housing developments, ensuring equitable access to resources for compliance.
- Information Dissemination: The state will actively promote information and resources related to water conservation and landscape transformation through its established Save Our Water website. This platform will serve as a central hub for guidance, best practices, and available support.
- Support for Small and Minority-Owned Businesses: To further facilitate the transition, the state will offer support to small and minority-owned businesses that specialize in landscape design, installation, and maintenance focused on climate-appropriate solutions. This not only aids in compliance but also fosters economic development within the green industry.
Why AB 1572 is Crucial for California's Future:
AB 1572 represents a pivotal stride towards cultivating a more water-wise and resilient California. By strategically eliminating wasteful potable water use for nonfunctional landscapes, the law directly contributes to:
- Protecting Our Drinking Water: It ensures that a finite and essential resource is prioritized for human consumption and critical needs, rather than being expended on purely ornamental purposes.
- Enhancing Water Security: Reducing overall water demand strengthens the state's ability to withstand future droughts and climate variability, building greater resilience into its water infrastructure and management.
- Promoting Sustainable Landscapes: The law encourages a fundamental shift in landscaping practices, moving away from thirsty turf towards ecologically sound, climate-appropriate designs that require significantly less water, chemicals, and maintenance.
- Preparing for a Drier Future: As climate models predict increasingly dry conditions for California, AB 1572 proactively prepares the state for these realities by embedding water conservation into its legal and environmental framework.
In essence, AB 1572 is more than just a ban; it is a catalyst for a more sustainable, water-efficient, and environmentally conscious future for California. It underscores the collective responsibility to manage precious resources wisely for the benefit of current and future generations.
References
- Save our water; https://saveourwater.com/#1
- AB-1572 Potable water: nonfunctional turf.(2023-2024; https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1572
- AB 1572: Potable water: nonfunctional turf; https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202320240ab1572
- California Watershed Approach to Landscape Design; https://apldca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/G3-APLD-CA-Watershed-Approach.pdf