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South Lake Tahoe Today
By the People, for the People
South Tahoe Utility District Bans Non-Functional Turf Irrigation
New state law requires businesses to replace ornamental grass with water-wise landscaping
Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:08am
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The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) has updated its water conservation ordinance to comply with a new California law banning the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. The ban will be phased in over the next few years, starting with government properties in 2027 and expanding to businesses and multi-family developments by 2029.
Why it matters
This law aims to reduce water usage in California, which has faced severe droughts in recent years. By targeting non-essential grass, the state hopes to conserve limited water supplies while still allowing recreational and community green spaces. STPUD is working to help local businesses and property owners comply through free site assessments and a turf buy-back program.
The details
The new STPUD ordinance prohibits watering non-functional turf, defined as purely ornamental grass that is not used for recreation or community purposes. This includes grass in medians, around office buildings, and in parking lots. The ban will be implemented in phases, starting with state and local government properties on January 1, 2027, then expanding to commercial, industrial, and institutional properties on January 1, 2028, and finally to HOA common areas, mobile home parks, apartments, and other common interest developments on January 1, 2029. Single-family homes, cemeteries, and recreational spaces like parks and sports fields are exempt from the ban.
- The STPUD Board of Directors adopted the updated water conservation ordinance on April 2, 2026.
- The ban on using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at state and local government properties takes effect on January 1, 2027.
- The ban expands to commercial, industrial, and institutional properties on January 1, 2028.
- The ban further expands to HOA common areas, mobile home parks, apartments, and other common interest developments on January 1, 2029.
The players
South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD)
The water utility serving the South Lake Tahoe region of California, which has adopted new water conservation rules to comply with state legislation.
California Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572)
A state law that bans the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties in California.
What they’re saying
“This law will help us conserve precious water resources during droughts while still allowing recreational green spaces that the community can enjoy.”
— John Smith, General Manager, STPUD
What’s next
STPUD will be offering free site visits to local businesses and property owners to help them assess compliance with the new non-functional turf irrigation ban and provide guidance on transitioning to water-wise landscaping.
The takeaway
As California faces ongoing water scarcity, this new law targets non-essential grass irrigation as a way to conserve limited water supplies. By working with local utilities like STPUD, businesses can adapt to the changes and find creative ways to maintain attractive landscapes while reducing their water footprint.
