The new law goes into effect in phases, starting with government and public properties in January 2027, with a complete rollout to commercial and HOA sites by 2031.

The rules will be phased in according to this compliance schedule:

• January 1, 2027: Public/government properties not in a disadvantaged community.
• January 1, 2028: Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.
• January 1, 2029: HOA common areas, mobile home parks, and retirement communities.
• January 1, 2031: Public/government properties in disadvantaged communities.

These properties are exempt from the ban on irrigating nonfunctional turf:

• Residential properties and apartment buildings.
• Properties that irrigate with recycled water, such as golf courses.
• Sports fields and cemeteries.
• Community parks.
• Designated dog areas.
• Areas used for social events.

Trees and non-turf plants can continue to be watered.

Turf irrigation can continue where:

• Recycled water is used.
• Turf is used for recreational purposes, such as sports fields, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas.
• Turf irrigation is necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial nonturf plantings.

HOA common areas

• Decorative lawn along sidewalks, buildings, or fences.
• Medians, roundabouts, or entry signage zones.
• Narrow strips in parking lots.
• Parks.
• Shared outdoor spaces.

Public properties

• Streets and highways.
• Libraries.
• Public schools and universities.
• Government buildings.
• Public utilities.
• Parks and recreation areas.
• Police and fire stations.
• Court houses.

Commercial, industrial & institutional properties

• Banks.
• Office buildings.
• Restaurants.
• Retail spaces.
• Hospitals.
• Hotels.
• Religious institutions.
• Schools, colleges and universities.
• Warehouses.

• A common area is an area that is not assigned for exclusive use of the occupants of an individual dwelling unit within the property.
• A recreational use area is an area designated by a property owner or a governmental agency to accommodate human foot traffic for recreation, including sports fields, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas.

Yes, there are reporting requirements for commercial properties and HOAs.

• CII properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated turf will be required to self-certify to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) every three years beginning June 30, 2030.
• HOA properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated turf will be required to self-certify to the SWRCB every three years beginning June 30, 3031.

Websites:

• The Regional Water Authority’s website helps customers find their water provider, stay updated on water conservation related news, find events, order promos, etc.
• The California Water Efficiency Partnership has a webpage focused solely on nonfunctional turf.

Webinars:

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is hosting webinars for Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional and Homeowners Associations customers to provide an overview of the new law (AB1572), a Q&A session, and available resources to comply. Customers must register in advance on the RWA’s website.

Contact the City of Folsom:

The City of Folsom team is here to help answer questions and provide more information. Here’s how to contact us:

• Phone: 916-461-6177
• Email: waterconservation@folsom.ca.us