As the West battles drought conditions seemingly always, California found a solution. On Friday, October 13th, Governor Gavin Newson signed the new law that prohibits industrial parks, public agencies, restaurants, and corporate campuses from watering nonfunctional turf with potable water.

 

While the law does not apply to residential lawns, apartment complexes, sports fields, and cemeteries, the now law was in place temporarily after the State Water Resources Board launched the ban in June 2022. This comes after Gov. Newsom signed a March 24, 2023 Executive Order that reduced emergency drought requirements.

Nevada adopted similar legislation in 2021 to help mitigate issues with use of the Colorado River for irrigation. By approving this legislation, Gov. Newsom is closer to meeting his goals around the state's water supply including converting 500 million square feet of ornamental turf to drought tolerant by 2030.

Public agencies must comply by January 1, 2027 while commercial and industrial properties must comply by January 1, 2028.