South Lake Tahoe, CA (April 3, 2026) – On April 2, 2026, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) Board of Directors adopted updates to the water conservation ordinance to comply with California Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572). The ordinance addresses a statewide ban on the use of potable water (drinking water) to irrigate nonfunctional turf (grass) at commercial, industrial and institutional properties.

Nonfunctional turf is grass that is purely ornamental in nature and that is not used for recreation or community purposes. Under the ordinance, watering nonfunctional turf with potable water is prohibited:

• State and local government properties starting January 1, 2027
• Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties starting January 1, 2028
• HOA common areas, mobile home parks, apartments, and other common interest developments starting January 1, 2029

The ban does not apply to single-family homes, cemeteries, or recreational spaces like parks and sports fields. Examples of nonfunctional turf include grass in medians, around office buildings, and parking lots.

To help customers with compliance, the District offers free site visits to assess compliance, and the turf buy back program to help replace lawn with a water-wise landscape.

For more information, including compliance deadlines and resources, visit www.stpud.us/non-functional-turf.