California Law Bans Watering Decorative Grass in Commercial and Public Properties Starting January 1
A new California law, AB 1572, will prohibit the irrigation of ornamental turf with potable water at corporate, industrial, government, and homeowners association properties across the state. This ban will be implemented in phases, beginning January 1 for local and regional government agencies, including schools, cities, counties, courthouses, fire stations, and libraries. The law will extend to commercial businesses like office parks, car dealerships, supermarkets, strip malls, and corporate campuses, as well as colleges and universities, starting January 1, 2028. Homeowners associations will be subject to the ban from January 1, 2029. The legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023, aims to conserve water regardless of drought conditions. It does not apply to residential homes, apartment buildings, cemeteries, or functional turf used for recreation, such as sports fields or playgrounds. Supporters, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and Heal the Bay, argue the law will save millions... 
