Turf Irrigation Ban

It is a part of emergency drought regulations that bans the irrigation of non-functional turf (grass) with potable water for all commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers. This includes property owned by homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and determined by their managing body to be non-functional. More information is available here.

The enforcement of the ban is by the State Water Resources Control Board, failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $500 from the State Water Board.

Non-functional turf is turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. For example, ornamental lawns common to office parks, street medians, and housing developments that require irrigation, but provide no recreational or environmental purpose.

For up to a year unless otherwise noticed by the State Water Board. The ban may be in effect for longer than one year.

Yes, commercial turf may still be watered after June 16, 2022, if the property owner or account holder determines that one or more of the following is true:

• The turf is used for human recreation, civic purposes, sports, or play.
• The turf is irrigated with recycled water.
• The turf is irrigated with non-potable water (water that is not permitted for use as a drinking water supply).
• The turf is at a residential location, not at a commercial, industrial, or institutional location.

The exception to this is common areas in Homeowner’s Association sites. Unless one of the above exemptions applies, HOA common areas are included in this turf irrigation ban.

Governor Newsom issued an executive order and the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the emergency drought regulations and is appointed with the enforcement of the ban. Walnut Valley Water District is responsible for informing our customers of these new drought regulations and for providing resources to use water wisely.

Turf is grass or various species of ground cover designed to be mowed regularly and stepped on repeatedly.

This ban applies to HOA common areas. It is up to the HOA board or similar managing body to determine what is functional and non-functional. WVWD encourages HOAs to be mindful of the seriousness of the drought when making this decision.

It is the District’s goal to promote the efficient use of water by educating its customers on cost-saving practices. However, the District reserves the right to send a courtesy notice to customers if a report of a potential violation is received. Likewise, the District reserves the right to enforce the current Stage 2 Water Storage restrictions adopted by the Walnut Valley Water District Board of Directors.

To report water waste, a violation of Stage 2 Water Use Reduction Regulations, and/or violation of the non-functional turf ban please click here. You may also contact a customer service representative to report a water waste violation at (909) 595-7554.

Irrigation priority should be given to trees to keep them alive. Although most mature trees often require little to no irrigation, some species do. The State Water Board urges people to continue to water trees, even while reducing or stopping the irrigation of turf. Irrigation of trees and non-turf plantings is permitted.