A bill signed into law Friday by Governor Gavin Newsom will now ban certain businesses from watering its grass in an effort to reduce water usage.
The bill is modeled after the State placed similar rules on commercial, industrial and government agencies from using drinking water for grass deemed “non-functional” in 2022.
The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) essentially bans the use of potable water for irrigation on non-functional turf. Home landscapes, edible gardens, and lawns used for recreation or civic gatherings would not be impacted by the requirements. The legislation uses a phased approach that begins with a 25% requirement for the use of low-water native plants in 2026, working up to 75% by 2035.