Water Services Division

New Regulations for Watering Nonfunctional Turf (NFT)

Attention Non-Residential Customers

California Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf (NFT) at certain properties, with requirements taking effect in phases beginning in 2027.

NFT generally refers to decorative grass that is not used for recreation or other community activities. Examples include grass in street medians, parking lot islands, and decorative landscaped areas.

Compliance Deadlines

The prohibition will take effect according to the following schedule:

  • January 1, 2027: Public agency properties and public schools
  • January 1, 2028: Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
  • January 1, 2029: Homeowners Association (HOA) common areas

What Does This Mean for Your Property?

AB 1572 does not require property owners to remove NFT. However, potable water can no longer be used to irrigate NFT after the applicable compliance deadline.

The prohibition does not apply to functional turf used for recreation, sports, or other community activities. Watering necessary to maintain trees and other permanent landscaping is also allowed.

Residential properties are not affected by AB 1572 regulations.

Water Conservation Rebates

Replacing NFT with water-efficient landscaping can help reduce water use while maintaining an attractive landscape.

The City of Garden Grove offers rebates to eligible customers through its Turf Replacement Program and other water conservation programs.

Visit the City's Water Conservation Rebates webpage or call 714-741-5378 to learn more about available rebates.

Additional Information and Resources

Not sure whether your property is affected?

Visit the CalWEP Nonfunctional Turf website to learn how to identify nonfunctional turf, understand compliance requirements, protect existing trees and landscaping, and explore available resources.

The Water Services Division of the Public Works Department is comprised of the Water and Sanitation Sections. The City is dedicated to providing quality services to the residents of Garden Grove. The goal of the Water Services Section is to provide sufficient and safe water at the lowest possible cost to the City’s residents. To meet this goal, we believe it is our responsibility to provide the public proper guidance and education on all aspects of water.

Pay Water Bill
Water Billing
Reading Your Meter
Report Water Wasters
Updated Water Conservation Ordinance
Water Conservation Rebate Programs
ADU Water Meters
Use Water Wisely
Water Quality
Fire Flow Tests

Water Conservation

We know that our water resources aren’t limitless, more so now because of the severe drought our state is facing. We all have to do our part to protect and conserve water to alleviate our immediate conditions and continue these practices to help ensure a sustainable environment for the future.

For more information on current restrictions, please refer to the Updated Water Conservation Ordinance

Top Ten Water Wasters

1. Over watering your lawn
750 - 1,500 gallons a month

2. Leaky faucets
20 gallons a day for every leak

3. Running the hose while washing your car
150 gallons a wash

4. High-flow showerhead
500-800 gallons a month

5. Partial loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
300-800 gallons a month

6. Long showers
700 gallons a month

7. Hosing driveways and sidewalks
150 gallons each time; 600 gallons a month

8. Using toilet as a waste basket
400-600 gallons a month

9. Letting tap water warm up without capturing any
200-300 gallons a month

10. Sprinklers watering driveways, sidewalks or gutter
500 gallons a month

Please review the water saving tips we have compiled or review the Water Conservation Rebate Programs available.

Public Information

Contact Us

Water Services

(Repairs, Administration, Engineering, Operations, Sanitation, and Water Quality)

Garden Grove Municipal Service Center
13802 Newhope Street
Garden Grove, CA 92843

Phone: (714) 741-5395

Water Billing

(Billing Inquiries, Water Payments, New Accounts and Turn-on/Disconnect)

Garden Grove City Hall
11222 Acacia Parkway
Garden Grove, CA 92840

Phone: (714) 741-5078

Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed every other Friday

Water Emergency Services

During Business Hours: (714) 741-5395

After Business Hours: (714) 741-5704 (This number is answered by the Police Department)