8/13/2026
1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 14.22.010–14.22.080 OF THE RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATING THE WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE TO COMPLY WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 1572City CouncilAugust 25, 2026Riverside Public Utilities – Strategic Initiatives RiversideCA.gov2
1. California continues to advance statewide water conservation efforts in response to recurring droughts and climate change impacts on water supplies2. Assembly Bill 1572 signed into law on October 13, 2023, establishing a phased statewide prohibition on the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf (NFT) on commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, as well as common areas of HOAsLEGISLATIVE HISTORY 8/13/2026
2 RiversideCA.gov3
WHAT IS NFT?Image credit: San Jose Water Company
Road medians and traffic islandsBusiness park lawns Parking lot landscaping RiversideCA.gov4
1. Potable water use for nonfunctional turf (NFT) is considered wasteful and unsustainable2. By January 1, 2027, the City (including RPU) must a. Stop using potable water for the irrigation of NFT on all its properties,b. Revise policies or adopt an ordinance consistent with AB 1572 requirements, and c. Communicate changes to customers3. Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) property owners with >5,000 sq. ft. of irrigated area must self-certify compliance with the State Water Board beginning 2030a. Exemptions: tree irrigation, privately owned public parks, cemeteries, and health/safety needs4. Required outreach by RPU to customers is already underwayAB 1572 REQUIREMENTS 8/13/2026
3 RiversideCA.gov5
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
RiversideCA.gov6
That the City Council:1. Introduce an ordinance of the City of Riverside amending Sections 14.22.010 through 14.22.080 of the Riverside Municipal Code to update the City’s Water Conservation Ordinance to comply with the requirements of Assembly Bill 1572 and ensure compliance with California Water Code § 10608.14; and2. Adopt the ordinance at a subsequent City Council meeting following the first reading.RECOMMENDATIONS