CII Non-Functional Turf Restrictions

On March 24, 2023 the California Governor issued executive order N-5-23, which rescinds many provisions of previous drought emergency orders (including the lifting of mandated Stage II drought measures). However, the restriction against the use of potable water for the irrigation of non-functional turf remains in effect.  The State has required that:

• The use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties is prohibited.

What is non-functional turf?

According to the State Emergency Order, “Non-functional turf” is defined as “turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. Non-functional turf does not include sports fields and turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events.”

What are some examples of Functional and Non-Functional Turf under the Executive Order?

Functional Turf is a grass area that is regularly used for recreational benefit. Some examples include:

• Residential – turf within individual home yards.
• Athletic Field – turf used for sports or physical education.
• Designated use area – turf designated for special use at cemeteries and mortuaries.
• Pet relief area – turf at a property commercial and retail services for pets, such as veterinarian and boarding facilities.
• Playground – turf within designated play areas with playground amenities on homeowner association owned/managed property or public park, school, daycare, recreation center, senior center, or religious institutions.

• Streetscape – turf located along public or private streets, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
• Frontage, courtyard, interior and building adjacent – turf in front of, between, behind, or otherwise adjacent to a building or buildings on a non-residential property.
• Certain HOA-managed landscape areas – turf managed by a homeowner association that does not provide a recreational benefit to the community or that otherwise does not qualify as functional turf.

To see the full text of the order, please read the State Executive Order.

Please see the fact sheet from the California State Water Boards for additional information.

CII Tips

• Educate and involve employees in water efficiency efforts.
• Install ultra-low flow toilets, or adjust flush valves or install dams on existing toilets.
• Install faucet aerators and high efficiency showerheads.
• Use water-conserving ice makers.
• As appliances and equipment wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
• Detect and repair all leaks – a small leak might not look like it’s an issue, but in the long run it could get expensive.
• Manage your irrigation schedule.
• Install touch free faucets – while this might be one of the more expensive ways to conserve, you could save a lot of money by preventing the opportunity for a faucet to be left on.

• Water audit your facility to find out your recommended water use, then monitor your utility bills to gauge your monthly consumption.
• Have maintenance personnel regularly check your facilities for leaks, drips and other water waste.
• Contact your water utility to see if rebates are available for purchasing water-efficient fixtures, equipment or for facility audits.
• Inspect your landscape irrigation system regularly for leaks or broken sprinkler heads and adjust pressures to specification.

Saving water means savings on your water bill.

The Solano County Water Agency (SCWA) understands that for some water saving projects, like upgrading an old and battered irrigation system, the financial investment may be a burden, especially for schools, churches or other institutional customers.

To view the details of each rebate, visit SCWA's Commercial Rebates page.

Example rebate programs include:

• Smart Irrigation Controller Rebates

• Water-Efficient Landscape Rebate Program

• Customized Water Efficiency Rebate Program