Are there exemptions to the non-functional turf ban for commercial, industrial, or institutional properties or HOA common areas?

Areas of turf are exempt if:

  • The turf is used for human recreation, civic purposes, sports or play.
  • The turf is irrigated with recycled water.
  • The turf is irrigated with non-potable water (water that is not permitted for use as a drinking water supply).
  • The turf is necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings.
  • The turf is at a residential location, not at a commercial, industrial, or institutional location. The exception to this is common areas in Homeowners Association sites. Unless one of the above exemptions applies, HOA common areas are included in this turf irrigation ban.
  • There is also an exemption process available for certain low water using turf species and irrigation approaches. Visit the State Water Resources Control Board website for more information on what types of plant species apply. 

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1. Does ACWD have enough water?
2. Is drought a result of climate change?
3. How do I take care of my trees?
4. I’m already saving water. What more can I do to conserve?
5. How long will the water shortage emergency last and restrictions remain in place?
6. What is best practice for irrigating my lawn?
7. I have noticed water waste occurring in my neighborhood, at work, etc. How do I report it?
8. What is the ban on non-functional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers passed by the State of California?
9. What is "non-functional" turf?
10. How do you determine if turf is considered functional or non-functional?
11. Are there exemptions to the non-functional turf ban for commercial, industrial, or institutional properties or HOA common areas?
12. What are some recommended actions to reduce water use?
13. What recommendations does ACWD have for landscape irrigation during drought and beyond?
14. Do I need to let my lawn dry out during every period of drought?
15. Why is new development and construction allowed during droughts and even during water shortage emergencies?
16. I am interested in water conservation. What rebates does ACWD offer residential and commercial customers?
17. I want to put in a new lawn; if I do, will there be restrictions on how much I can water it?
18. Why doesn't your lawn removal rebate program cover artificial turf or concrete if replacing my lawn with these saves water?
19. What is ACWD doing to reduce its water use?
20. Why are some fire hydrants open with water discharging?
21. Why doesn't ACWD recapture the water discharged from fire hydrants in the Main Cleaning Program?
22. Does the State of California offer a lawn removal rebate program I can participate in?
23. Will you be raising your $2/square foot rebate amount for your lawn removal program?
24. Does ACWD offer rebates for removal of other types of landscape, like trees to prevent fire risk?
25. If my water supply is terminated, how can I restore it?