Overview of the California Water Conservation Law - AB 1572

The use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf has been declared wasteful and incompatible with the State policy relating to climate change, water conservation, and reduced reliance on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem.

AB 1572 took effect January 1, 2024, and prohibits the use of potable water for the irrigation of non-functional turf located on commercial, industrial, municipal, institutional, and common interest developments including Homeowners Associations. It requires these types of property owners to certify their compliance with these provisions. It also authorizes urban water suppliers, such as SCV Water, to enforce* these provisions.

* While SCV Water will prioritize education, awareness and programmatic support of this new law, SCV Water retains the option to enforce the law should a lack of public compliance merit such escalation.

NFT Examples

Looking for general information on NFT?

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What is non-functional turf (NFT)?

NFT is mowed grass that is decorative and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. 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 of developments maintained by homeowner associations.

What is a common interest development?

A common interest development (“CID”) is a real property development where property owners share a common set of financial obligations, property and easement rights established in a set of recorded restrictions (commonly referred to as "Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions" or  “CC&Rs”).

Common interest developments include:

• Homeowners Associations
• Mobile Home Parks
• Senior Communities

Who does the law (AB 1572) affect?

SCV Water customers subject to this ban include commercial, industrial, institutional, and municipal customers, and homeowners association (HOA) common areas.

NFT does not apply to residential homes, school fields, sports fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events.

The Benefits of Removing Non-Functional Turf

By replacing non-functional turf with more sustainable landscapes, you will:

• Be making a long-term investment that will pay off through reduced water bills and potential rebate incentives. Typically, there is between 40-60% water savings in the areas converted to more sustainable landscapes.
• 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.

Rebates & Resources

Our goal is to partner with our customers by prioritizing education, engagement and program support.

Take advantage of SCV Water’s rebate programs:​​​​​

Lawn Replacement

Irrigation Efficiency

Or visit our Conservation Rebate Portal for more information.

PRO TIP: Plan your projects out and prepare your landscape for modifications in Spring/Fall during planting season when the weather is milder.

 Top Tree Care Tips

 Are you worried about how complying with the NFT law will affect your trees? Click on the button for the top tips to keep your trees happy and healthy.

Top Tree Care Tips

 Smart Practice Guidance

How to Cap Pop-Up Spray Heads

For irrigation zones that use pop-up spray heads, a universal cap can be installed in 2-3 minutes per spray body without having to dig, replace equipment, or completely remove. Below is a “Cap It” example, although your specific situation may vary. Contact your landscape professional to determine if capping it is the right solution for your non-functional turf areas.

How to Cap a Sprinkler Head in Under 1 Minute
(for Pop-Up Sprinkler Body Caps)

Reference Materials

Please refer to the documents and links below for more information on HOAs and non-functional turf, as well as SCV Water’s Water Conservation Ordinance, which includes important water conservation requirements:

• CA State Water Resources Control Board – HOA Fact Sheet
• California Civil Code Section 4735
• State Water Resources Control Board – Resolution No. 2022-0002 (see Pg. 6)
• SCV Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage Ordinance

Landscaping is one of the biggest users of water and we’re counting on you to do your part to save and conserve the Santa Clarita Valley’s precious water supplies! ​​

NFT and Residential Landscapes Within a HOA

According to the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (California Civil Code, Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 4735), a Homeowners Association (HOA) may not impose a fine for reducing watering of lawns or vegetation during a drought emergency that was either declared by the Governor or local government. Additionally, homeowners may remove their lawns and replace them with water-wise plants. If a homeowner installs water-efficient landscaping during the drought, a HOA cannot prevent them from maintaining it or require them to remove it when there is no longer a drought state of emergency. A HOA also cannot prohibit, or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low-water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing grass.