On October 13, 2023, the California legislature passed Assembly Bill 1572, Friedman (AB 1572 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1572), which prohibits using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf located on commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, including Homeowner Associations (HOAs). Additionally, the bill requires public water systems to revise regulations, ordinances, or policies by January 1, 2027, and to communicate those changes to customers.

Definition:
Non-functional turf is defined as decorative grass areas with no other functions, such as recreation. The prohibition includes turf on road medians and outside businesses not used for recreation. Functional grass areas, such as sports fields, picnic areas, cemeteries, and areas irrigated with nonpotable water, are exempt from the ban. Residential lawns are exempt from the regulation.

The city adopted resolution no. 1833 on May 20, 2026, to Implement the potable water irrigation restrictions for nonfunctional turf required under California Assembly Bill 1572: https://indio.civicweb.net/document/194839/Municipal%20Code%20Update.pdf?handle=DBB37377F048450C8FAEF847DF978089