Smart Water Use
Understanding California’s New Nonfunctional Turf Law
California has adopted a law that limits the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf (NFT) at commercial, industrial, institutional, public agency, and homeowners association (HOA) properties.
The requirements take effect in phases beginning in 2027. To comply with state law, Placer County Water Agency has updated its Rules and Regulations (Section 40208) and is providing information to help customers understand California’s requirements and plan ahead.
Know the difference
Nonfunctional vs. functional turf
Nonfunctional turf
Nonfunctional turf is irrigated lawn that serves a primarily decorative purpose and is not regularly used for recreation, gatherings, or other activities.
A general rule of thumb: if the lawn is only walked on for mowing or maintenance, it may be considered nonfunctional.
Examples may include
- Decorative lawn along sidewalks, buildings, or fences
- Lawn in parking lots, medians, or roundabouts
- Lawn surrounding entry signs
- Unused lawn areas that serve no recreational purpose
Functional turf
The law allows irrigation of functional turf — lawn areas that are regularly used for recreation, community activities, or public gatherings.
Examples include
- Sports fields
- Playgrounds
- Picnic areas
- Community gathering spaces
- Pet exercise areas
Phased, starting in 2027
The first phase covers properties owned by local governments, public agencies, and public water systems on January 1, 2027.
Not single-family lawns
The law does not apply to residential lawns at individual single-family homes.
Lawn removal is not required
The law limits potable water used to irrigate nonfunctional turf — it does not require removal.
Trees can still be watered
Potable water may still be used as needed to maintain the health of trees.
Does this apply to me?
Who the law applies to
The law applies to
- Public agency properties
- Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties such as schools, hospitals, and churches
- Common areas managed by HOAs
Resource: Case Study: UC Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at the Loomis Library & Community Learning Center (CalWEP)
Does not apply to lawns at single-family homes
The law does not apply to residential lawns at individual single-family homes.
HOA common areas are covered, with requirements beginning January 1, 2029.
Resource: HOA Guide for Identifying Nonfunctional Lawn (CalWEP)
When it takes effect
Compliance timeline
January 1, 2027
Public properties owned or managed by state and local governments, including public school districts
January 1, 2028
Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
January 1, 2029
Common areas managed by homeowner associations, common interest developments, and community service organizations
January 1, 2031
Public properties in Disadvantaged Communities, contingent upon available state financial assistance or when state funding for lawn replacement becomes available
Note: You are not required to replace lawn by these dates — only to stop irrigating with potable water.
Plan ahead
How to start preparing
Many property owners are beginning to
- Identify lawn areas that may be nonfunctional
- Review irrigation systems
- Explore water-wise landscape options
- Take advantage of available rebates and incentives
- Develop phased plans that spread costs over time
Rebates can help with the cost
PCWA offers rebates that may help reduce the cost of irrigation upgrades and landscape improvements.
Resource: Lawn Alternative Quick Reference Guide (CalWEP)
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The law applies to HOAs, common interest developments, and community service organizations.
Requirements for HOA-managed common areas take effect January 1, 2029. HOA boards and property managers may wish to begin evaluating common-area landscapes, irrigation systems, and long-term planning options now.
Yes. The law allows the use of potable water as needed to maintain the health of trees. If the lawn is removed around existing trees, irrigation systems may need to be modified so water is delivered directly to the trees rather than the surrounding lawn. Property owners should take steps to protect tree health when making landscape changes.
Resource: Best Practices for Existing Trees During Lawn Conversion (CalWEP)
Failure to comply may be considered water waste and is subject to penalties by the Agency and/or civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day (California Water Code §1846) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Enforcement specifics may vary.
Learn more
Free educational resources
Additional guidance, examples, planning tools, webinars, and other resources are available through the sites below. These sites include:
Regional water efficiency resources, including turf identification and landscape planning help.
Statewide guidance on the nonfunctional turf requirements, with examples and webinars.
For PCWA customers
The resources above explain California’s requirements. PCWA’s Rules and Regulations are where they apply to your water service. Nonfunctional turf requirements are in Section 40208 of the PDF.
Questions?
For additional information, contact PCWA Customer Services at CustomerServices@pcwa.net or visit the resources above.