SCV Water is Here to Help

SCV Water will share implementation and enforcement details as they become available. SCV Water is committed to helping customers understand the requirements and achieve compliance. This webpage provides information and resources to help customers comply with AB 1572.

We want to know more about your property and water efficiency goals so that we can learn how to best serve you! Our goal is to partner with our customers by prioritizing education, engagement, and program support.

Frequently Asked Questions 

General NFT

What is AB 1572?

AB 1572 is a California state law, passed in 2023, that prohibits using potable (drinking-quality) water to irrigate non-functional turf (NFT) on certain properties. The requirements phase in by property type beginning January 1, 2027.

What is "turf"?

For AB 1572, ‘turf’ means mowed grass maintained in a green condition. It does not mean artificial turf.

What's the difference between functional and non-functional turf?

Functional turf is regularly used for recreation or community activities, such as athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, or event spaces.

Non-functional turf (NFT) is mowed grass maintained primarily for appearance or decoration and not regularly used for recreation or community activities. Examples include decorative grass around businesses, parking lots, medians, and sidewalks.

What properties are affected? / Does this apply to my property?

AB 1572 applies to:

• State and local government properties
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Institutional
• Homeowners Associations (HOA) Common Areas

Exemptions include:

• Residential lawns
• Cemetaries
• Sports fields
• Areas regularly used for civic or community events
• Areas that ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings (see XX below for additional details)
• For immediate health, safety, sanitation, and fire protection

 

Does it apply to residential properties?

No. Single-family residential lawns are not subject to the NFT watering prohibition.

When must my property comply with the law (AB 1572)?

Compliance Schedule

AB 1572 went into effect January 1, 2024, and the requirements phase in by property type.

Compliance Date	Customer Groups
January 1, 2027	State and local government properties (ex: City, County, Public Schools, etc.)
January 1, 2028	Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (ex: shopping centers, industrial center, private schools, etc.)
January 1, 2029	HOA common areas
January 1, 2031	Certain public properties in disadvantaged communities (We do not have any applicable properties in SCV.)

Can trees in non-functional turf be irrigated with potable water?

Potable water may be used as needed to maintain the health of existing trees and other perennial plantings in NFT areas. The surrounding NFT remains subject to the watering prohibition if it does not depend on that irrigation. The Legislature’s intent is that this exception applies to existing trees only. The smart practice is to convert trees from spray to their own dedicated drip irrigation.

Can I make non-functional turf functional?

Not simply by changing its designation. Turf must be regularly and beneficially used for recreation or community activities to qualify as functional. Planting trees, adding other landscaping, adding benches, etc., does not, by itself, make turf functional.

Who decides if turf is functional?

AB 1572 establishes the definitions of functional and non-functional turf. SCV Water is developing guidance for applying those definitions locally.

What should replace non-functional turf?

AB 1572 does not require a specific replacement. It requires potable-water irrigation of NFT to stop.

Customers should also check applicable City of Santa Clarita, LA County, and CalFire requirements before making landscape changes.

Common alternatives include climate-appropriate plants, mulch, and groundcovers. SCV Water's Lawn Replacement Program may also provide rebates for eligible landscape conversions.

What are the benefits of replacing NFT with climate resilient and drought-tolerant landscapes?

• Save money over time through lower water bills and potential rebate incentives.
• Use, on average, 40-60% less water in converted areas.
• Water more efficiently with upgraded irrigation equipment.
• Create a more drought-resilient landscape that can better withstand future watering restrictions.
• Help conserve California's water resources for a sustainable, resource-secure, and water-efficient future.

What happens if a property does not comply?

The legislation allows entities like the City, the County, and SCV Water to exercise enforcement authority. SCV Water is currently developing its local policy and implementation procedures. Customers should check the SCV Water NFT webpage for updates as policies and procedures are finalized.

Are there any reporting requirements?

Customers with landscaped areas over 5,000 sf will be required to self-certify compliance to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) every 3 years. This form and reporting process is still being drafted by the SWRCB. SCV Water will notify customers of any reporting updates from the SWRCB.

What is SCV Water's Implementation and Enforcement Plan?

SCV Water is developing its NFT policy and implementation procedures, which will be in place by January 1, 2027. Additional information will be posted to the NFT webpage as it becomes available. SCV Water is committed to helping customers understand the requirements and achieve compliance.

Are there any rebates or resources available?

SCV Water is here to help. We offer:

• Lawn Replacement Rebates
• Free WaterWise Surveys
• Landscape and irrigation efficiency resources and incentives
• Educational workshops
• Conservation specialist assistance

SCV Water highly encourages customers to start planning and completing conversions now to reserve available funding and avoid potential bottlenecks as compliance deadlines approach. Subject to program eligibility and available funding.

How do I prepare for AB 1572 Compliance?

• Need help identifying NFT? Request a free NFT Assessment or Full Irrigation Survey with SCV Water's water-efficiency experts, WaterWise at 888-987-9473.
• • Coordinate with your landscape contractor or property management team to identify priority areas, evaluate conversion options, and develop an implementation plan.
• • Start with the "low hanging fruit." Focus first on the easiest NFT areas to identify and convert while planning for larger projects.

Who should I reach out to for more information on Non-Functional Turf (NFT) or SCV Water's Rebate Programs and Resources?

Please reach out to the Conservation team at conservation@scvwa.org, Subject: NFT. Customers can also visit the SCV Water NFT webpage for the latest information.