Less Lawn, More Compliance: A Guide for Water Suppliers Navigating AB 1572

October 2025

California’s landmark Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf (NFT) on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties—including homeowners’ association common areas.

To support consistent, effective implementation, CalWEP created Less Lawn, More Compliance: A Guide for Water Suppliers Navigating AB 1572.

This internal agency guidebook helps water suppliers interpret and apply the new requirements locally. It breaks down the law into clear, actionable steps, offering:

• Model ordinance, regulation, and policy language
• Adoption and enforcement pathways
• Communication requirements and best practices
• Guidance for protecting trees and perennial landscapes
• Legal and operational considerations for suppliers

The guidebook also includes recommended approaches and optional provisions that agencies can adapt to support equitable and practical implementation statewide.

The following companion resources are also available for members to download here. 

General Support Documents

1. Frequently Asked Questions for Suppliers and Customers 
2. AB 1572 Local Ordinance Compliance Matrix 
3. AB 1572 Definitions – Formal and Customer-Friendly
4. AB 1572 Nonfunctional Turf Identification – Staff Field Quiz 
   

Ordinance Adoption Support

1. Model Ordinance Board Packet Information 
2. Board Presentation for Ordinance Adoption Slide Deck (Powerpoint)

Model Ordinances:

1. General Model Ordinance 
2. MWD Model Ordinance

Passed Ordinances, Resolutions, and Policies:

1. Desert Water Authority
2. East Bay Municipal Utilities District 
3. Irvine Ranch Water District
4. Marin Municipal Water District 
5. San Luis Obispo 

These resources are provided as a guide. Each agency is responsible for consulting with its own legal counsel to determine the applicability, appropriateness, and enforceability of any recommendations, sample language, or policy options.