Indio Sustainability Commission questions outreach efforts ahead of mandatory state turf-watering bans

A state law restricting the use of potable water for nonfunctional turf irrigation drew scrutiny Monday at the Indio Sustainability Commission meeting, with commissioners questioning whether the city is doing enough to alert large water users about approaching compliance deadlines.

California Assembly Bill 1572 establishes a phased prohibition on using drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf, defined under the law as any turf not located in a designated recreational area or community space, including turf in street rights-of-way and parking lots.

The first deadline under the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, applying to properties owned by local governments, local or regional public agencies, and public water systems, with an exception for those located in disadvantaged communities.

“It’s not a lot of time to plan, quite frankly,” Chair Anetha Lue told the city staff members.

Commercial, industrial, and other institutional properties face a Jan. 1, 2028, deadline. Common areas of homeowners associations, common interest developments, and community service organizations must comply by Jan. 1, 2029.

The law also exempts water use needed to maintain the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings, or to address immediate health and safety needs.

Roman Gonzalez, water project construction manager for the Indio Water Authority, said the water authority brought an ordinance before the city council in May to adopt the state requirement into local law. He said the city is working on rebate programs and pursuing grant funding to help property owners convert away from water-intensive landscaping.

The Indio Water Authority currently offers turf replacement rebates of $2 per square foot for residential customers, up to a maximum of 10,000 square feet, or $3 per square foot for residential customers who plant one native tree for every 250 square feet of turf removed.

Commercial properties can receive $2 per square foot for conversions up to 30,000 square feet. Rebates are also available for irrigation system upgrades, with residents eligible for up to $750 and commercial accounts eligible for up to $1,500. Artificial turf is not a reimbursable expense under the program.

The water authority told councilmembers at its June 17 meeting that more than $320,000 was still available in rebate funds, and the city recently received an $800,000 grant for direct-install turf conversion projects in disadvantaged communities, Gonzalez said. Some commercial entities have already contacted the city and are receiving information about available funding and conversion programs.

Gonzalez directed the public to the city of Indio water authority’s website, saying a customer service contact would be available there for those seeking additional assistance.

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