Turning Grass Into Savings: How Turf Removal Is Getting Paid — And Why AB 1572 Makes It Urgent

In many parts of California, the idea of paying someone to remove grass used to sound odd. Yet that’s exactly what some water districts are doing now — offering $5 to $7 per square foot (or more) to encourage property owners to rip out nonfunctional turf and switch to drought‐smart landscaping. What’s driving this push? A new state law, Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), which limits the use of potable (drinking) water for watering decorative lawns. If you're a business, HOA, or property manager, the time to act is now.

What’s Behind the $5–$7/ft Incentives?

These are typically run by local or regional water agencies, often under “turf replacement” or “cash for grass” programs. Here's how it generally works:

• A water district or regional water authority offers a rebate or incentive to property owners who remove nonfunctional turf (i.e. grass used purely for decoration, not for recreation) and replace it with drought-tolerant landscaping, permeable surfaces, or other water-efficient alternatives.
• In Southern California, for example, the Metropolitan Water District has increased its commercial turf replacement rebate to help property owners comply with AB 1572. MWDH2O
• Some local districts, like Santa Margarita Water District, have announced a $7 per square foot rebate for commercial, institutional, and public entities to remove nonfunctional turf. smwd.com
• The higher rebates are meant both as an incentive and as a bridge to compliance — helping offset costs during the transition away from high-water turf landscapes.

These programs also help water agencies conserve supply at lower cost than developing new sources. In the press, Metropolitan reports that its turf replacement program has already removed over 220 million square feet of grass, translating to sizable water savings. MWDH2O

Understanding AB 1572: What the Law Requires (and When)

What AB 1572 says

AB 1572, signed into law in October 2023, prohibits the use of potable (drinkable) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on certain property types. MWDOC+2awpw.assembly.ca.gov+2

• Nonfunctional turf is defined as grass that is purely decorative and is not used for recreation, sport, gathering, or community use. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources+2awpw.assembly.ca.gov+2
• Functional turf, by contrast, includes lawns in parks, sports fields, playgrounds, etc. These can continue to be irrigated with potable water, so long as the turf is genuinely used for people. awpw.assembly.ca.gov+1
• Importantly, AB 1572 does not apply to single-family residential properties (your home’s lawn), nor to turf irrigated with recycled water, nor to cemeteries. MWDOC+2UC Agriculture and Natural Resources+2
• The law also allows for exceptions: potable water may still be used if necessary to maintain the health of trees or other perennial plantings, or to address immediate health and safety concerns. awpw.assembly.ca.gov+2UC Agriculture and Natural Resources+2

When the deadlines kick in

The law phases in the restrictions gradually (so property owners have time to adapt). ranchowater.com+3awpw.assembly.ca.gov+3awattorneys.com+3 Here’s the timeline:

Effective DateAffected PropertiesWhat Must ChangeJanuary 1, 2027State and local government propertiesCease irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable water ranchowater.com+4awpw.assembly.ca.gov+4awattorneys.com+4January 1, 2028Commercial, industrial, institutional (CII) propertiesBan on potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf smwd.com+4awpw.assembly.ca.gov+4awattorneys.com+4January 1, 2029HOA common areas, multi-family development common zones, community associationsThese areas shift under the same prohibition awattorneys.com+4awpw.assembly.ca.gov+4UC Agriculture and Natural Resources+4January 1, 2031Local government facilities in disadvantaged communitiesThe ban applies once proper funding is available ranchowater.com+3awpw.assembly.ca.gov+3awattorneys.com+3

Additionally, owners of nonfunctional turf on covered properties with 5,000 square feet or more of irrigable area must self-certify with the State Water Resources Control Board that they are in compliance. That certification begins June 30, 2030, and recurs every three years. ranchowater.com+4MWDOC+4awpw.assembly.ca.gov+4

Water systems and local agencies are required to revise their codes, policies, ordinances, or rules by January 1, 2026, to embed these new restrictions, and must notify customers. awpw.assembly.ca.gov+2awattorneys.com+2

Why the law exists

Given recurring drought, shrinking water supplies, and rising demand, California needs to cut waste. AB 1572 is a tool for reducing unnecessary potable water use, targeting a class of landscaping that often consumes significant water for purely aesthetic purposes. LegalClarity+4LegiScan+4UC Agriculture and Natural Resources+4 It also sends a signal: decorative green lawns have a cost in a water-scarce future.

Why Property Owners Should Take Action Now

1. Incentives make it financially viable
With rebates of $5–$7 per square foot, the cost to remove and replace turf is partly offset. For example, Santa Margarita Water District now offers $7/sq ft for qualifying commercial/institutional projects. smwd.com And the regional Metropolitan rebate increases are explicitly tied to helping compliance with AB 1572. MWDH2O

2. Avoid being rushed into compliance later
The deadlines are approaching. Early conversion means you can plan, phase work, manage disruption, and spread out costs rather than scramble under time pressure.

3. Water savings and lower maintenance
Once turf is removed, water bills tend to drop. Drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and landscape design can yield lasting water savings. Some reports show significant reductions in urban water demand tied to turf replacement programs. (For example, a long-running “cash for grass” program in Nevada demonstrated an 18% average reduction in household water use. ) arXiv

4. Compliance risk and penalties
If you don’t comply, you may face civil liabilities, enforcement by water agencies, or penalties. AB 1572 authorizes public water systems, cities, counties, or combined city-county agencies to enforce the new irrigation restrictions. Greenway Landscape Design & Build+4awpw.assembly.ca.gov+4awattorneys.com+4

5. Branding and leadership
For HOAs, businesses, and institutions, embracing water-wise landscaping bolsters a reputation for environmental stewardship. It can also improve aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs, and modernize the property.

Best Practices for Turf Removal & Landscape Conversion

If you’re considering participating, here are tips to make the project smoother:

1. Map out nonfunctional turf areas
   Identify which grass areas are truly decorative (medians, buffer zones, street frontage) versus functional (play areas, sports fields). The law only targets the former.
2. Work with experienced designers/contractors
   You’ll want someone who understands rebate requirements, water-efficient irrigation design, and drought-tolerant planting strategies.
3. Plan in phases
   Especially for large properties, breaking the project into stages helps manage costs, scheduling, and disruptions.
4. Choose climate-appropriate plants
   Use native or drought-tolerant species suited to your region, grouped by water-use zones for more efficient irrigation.
5. Incorporate trees, shade, and soil improvement
   Proper soil prep, mulching, and shade strategies reduce water needs and promote healthier landscapes.
6. Track and document everything
   Keep before/after photos, irrigation plans, invoices, and proof of rebate execution — you’ll need this for certification and compliance.
7. Stay ahead of certification and reporting
   For eligible properties (5,000+ sq ft), begin preparing for self-certification with SWRCB once the window opens (2029 or 2030, depending).

A Call to Action — Don’t Wait

California is in a new era of water scarcity, and the tools to adapt are being provided now. The $5–$7/ft incentives are not “nice to have” — they’re a bridge to compliance under AB 1572. For property owners, HOAs, commercial developments, and municipal managers, the message is clear:

• Start assessing your nonfunctional turf now
• Apply for rebate programs to offset conversion costs
• Work with professionals to design compliant and beautiful landscapes
• Position yourself ahead of the legal deadlines

Want help turning this into a blog with callouts, graphics, or a version tailored to your water district or locale? I’m happy to put that together for you.

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