The California Senate passed Assembly Bill 1572 on September 12, 2023, which would reduce the use of water for purposes of nonfunctional turf irrigation.

 

Currently, Scottsdale, Arizona, enacted Ordinance 4606 which seeks to ban natural grass in the front yards of new single-family homes. 86% of the city's water customers were in favor of the act.

The California bill would phase-in the ban based on property types by January 1, 2027, if the bill is signed into law by Governor Newsom. He has until October 14, 2023, to sign or veto the bill.

"As we await word on whether the governor will sign the legislation, we are working to better understand the practical implications of the legislation," said Nathan Bowen, vice president of public affairs and advocacy at the Irrigation Association.