To address California's severe drought, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently adopted emergency water conservation regulations that prohibit the irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties.

Non-functional turf is defined in the regulation as "Turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events."

There are several exemptions to this definition, including:

• Turf used for human recreation, civic purposes, sports or play.
• Turf irrigated with canal water (water that is not permitted for use as drinking water).
• Turf on the same valve as at least one tree or perennial non-turf plantings.
• Residential turf unless it is a common area of a Homeowners Association.

The prohibition is expected to remain in effect for one year beginning in June 2022, unless rescinded earlier or extended by the SWRCB.

Customers are responsible for determining if their turf is functional or non-functional, and we've provided several examples below. You can also learn more about the state's regulation at bit.ly/conservationreg.

Rebates are Available to Help!

PCWA offers services and rebates to help our customers use water more efficiently, including rebates for replacing turf with a low-water landscape. You can learn more on our Rebates page.

Functional vs. Non-Functional Turf—What's the Difference

Non-Functional Turf

Non-functional turf is defined in the regulation as "Turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events."

Functional Turf

There are several exemptions to non-functional turf definition, including:

• Turf used for human recreation, civic purposes, sports or play.
• Turf irrigated with canal water (water that is not permitted for use as drinking water).
• Turf on the same valve as at least one tree or perennial non-turf plantings.
• Residential turf unless it is a common area of a Homeowners Association.