Metropolitan Board calls for ban of non-functional turf

Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution last week recommending cities and water agencies across Southern California pass ordinances permanently prohibiting the installation and irrigation of non-functional turf.

The resolution focuses on both existing and new commercial, industrial and public properties, as well as HOAs. It also calls for local regulations to prohibit installation of non-functional turf in new home construction.

“More than half of all water used in Southern California is used outdoors for irrigation, much of it for grass that is not walked or played on or used in any meaningful way. Sustaining ornamental grass is not a good use of our precious water resources,” Metropolitan General Manager Adel Hagekhalil said.

With dramatic cuts in water deliveries from both the State Water Project and the Colorado River, Southern California is facing unprecedented mandatory conservation. Elimination of non-functional turf is a valuable tool to quickly and permanently decrease water use.

“We need to permanently reduce the amount of water used on non-functional turf. That is why we are calling on cities and agencies to adopt relevant ordinances that will work with the particular circumstances of their communities,” Hagekhalil said. “At the same time, Metropolitan will continue providing cash incentives so that grass is not simply paved over, rather it is replaced with water-efficient landscaping to ensure our trees continue thriving and our communities remain beautiful and ecologically diverse.”