In 2023, California signed AB1572 into law, requiring the removal of non-functional turf irrigated with potable water by 2028. The move is a bold step toward long-term water conservation and climate adaptation. For sustainability leaders, facility managers, and landscape specifiers, the message is clear: the era of turf-heavy commercial landscapes is ending.
But as organizations begin ripping out turf and rethinking their landscapes, a critical question is surfacing: If there’s no grass to water, do we still need smart irrigation?
The answer is a resounding yes. Removing turf doesn’t eliminate the need for irrigation—it just changes what needs watering. Most landscapes still include trees, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plantings that require consistent care, which is exactly why smart, responsive irrigation remains essential.
What AB1572 Means for Landscape Irrigation
California’s AB1572 legislation defines non-functional turf as grass that is not used for recreation, civic, or community purposes. The bill mandates that potable water may no longer be used to irrigate these areas.
In response, large organizations are already developing plans to eliminate non-functional turf entirely, and many are turning to drought-tolerant landscaping and xeriscaping to meet the new requirements. While these efforts represent a meaningful shift toward sustainability and long-term water conservation, they’ve also sparked a widespread misconception: that removing turf eliminates the need for irrigation—and by extension, smart irrigation technology. This seems like a logical assumption, but it overlooks the critical role of modern irrigation on supporting the health, longevity, and resilience of non-turf landscapes.
The reality is, removing turf doesn’t eliminate the need for careful water management. In fact, it increases the importance of applying the right amount of water to the right place at the right time. Without smart systems in place, sites risk plant failure, degraded landscapes, and hidden water waste—even with low-water-use plants. Smart irrigation ensures that native vegetation and drought-tolerant landscapes receive the precise care they need—not only during critical establishment phases but also as conditions change over time. These systems help align water use with real-time site needs, preserving plant health and protecting the long-term investment in sustainable landscapes.
Landscapes Without Turf Still Need Smart, Targeted Care
A site without grass is not a site without water needs. Landscapes filled with native plants, shrubs, trees, and drought-tolerant vegetation still require precise, regulated irrigation to thrive—especially in the early years after installation.
Xeriscaping, for example, is a proven and increasingly popular method for reducing water use. But even xeriscapes benefit from sensor-based irrigation systems that can:
- Precisely irrigate during plant establishment periods
- Adjust based on soil moisture or rainfall
- Prevent overwatering in low-water-use zones
- Respond to microclimates and varied topography across a property
Transitioning away from turf isn’t about eliminating water use—it’s about doubling down on sustainable landscaping and making every drop count. Smart irrigation provides the consistent, adaptive care that drought-tolerant and native landscapes need. Delivering just the right amount of water at the right time, these systems help plants thrive while protecting the value of your sustainable landscape investment.
Potable vs. Non-Potable Water
Another key nuance in AB1572 is that it applies only to potable water. That means sites using non-potable, recycled, or reclaimed water for irrigation are not subject to the same restrictions. Many environmentally conscious campuses, municipalities, and business parks have already plumbed non-potable systems into their irrigation infrastructure.
But regardless of the water source, the principle stands: You need visibility, control, and precision to manage irrigation effectively. A system using non-potable water can still suffer from inefficiencies, leaks, or overuse if not actively managed with modern tools.
Why Real-Time Water Visibility Still Matters—Even Without Turf
Even without turf, real-time visibility is your frontline defense against water waste, plant loss, and undetected system failures. This is where smart irrigation systems like WeatherTRAK and Baseline play a critical role.
Smart systems do more than keep a watering schedule—they help teams detect problems early, adapt to changing conditions, and systematically reduce waste by providing:
- Real-time leak alerts, helping prevent water loss in zones that are underground or difficult to access
- Site-specific adjustments, powered by soil moisture or weather data integration
- Centralized oversight, with cloud-based management across multiple controllers and sites—so irrigation teams can quickly spot issues and make fixes without needing to be on-site
- Dynamic irrigation adjustments, driven by environmental triggers, so your system adapts instantly to weather shifts without relying on manual intervention
Smart irrigation systems also give property managers insight into irrigation performance, water use trends, and system health. These capabilities are essential for teams managing complex or large-scale properties with diverse landscape zones. Whether you’re irrigating native plants, trees, or pollinator gardens, smart irrigation systems ensure water is used exactly when and where it’s needed—helping landscapes thrive while eliminating guesswork and waste.
Protecting Infrastructure and Living Assets
Removing turf doesn’t mean removing risk. Even in low-flow or drip systems, buried lines, valves, and emitters remain vulnerable to damage from shifting soil, rodents, or aging infrastructure. Without real-time leak detection, these failures can quietly waste thousands of gallons before anyone notices—leading to landscape damage, inflated bills, and missed sustainability goals.
As noted in this overview from NRDC, the shift to climate-appropriate landscaping must be paired with smart maintenance strategies to succeed. Responsive irrigation systems, remote alerts, and proactive oversight are key to protecting both living assets and long-term landscape investments.
Smart Irrigation Is About Futureproofing
The move away from turf is part of a larger trend toward long-term resilience. Real-time water management helps organizations:
- Conserve resources
- Meet ESG and sustainability goals
- Reduce operational risks
- Avoid regulatory fines or costly landscape damage
- Maintain the health and longevity of trees, shrubs, and other living assets
It’s also aligned with growing expectations from investors, customers, and communities that organizations are good stewards of local resources.
Removing Turf Doesn’t Remove Risk
Water use doesn’t disappear when turf does. From trees to xeriscapes to bioswales, every living asset on a property still requires care. That care should be efficient, responsive, and trackable—and smart irrigation makes that possible.
As you rethink your landscapes in response to AB1572, consider the value of the technology already in place. A smart irrigation system gives you real-time visibility and control—allowing you to respond faster, conserve more, and lead with the mindset of a true water steward. It’s one of the most effective ways to ensure your landscapes remain resilient, sustainable, and future-proof.
HydroPoint’s Commitment to Smarter Landscapes
At HydroPoint, we’ve been helping organizations use water wisely since 2002. Our platforms are designed to bring intelligence to every irrigation zone—whether it’s grass, ground cover, or dry-climate landscapes. Both WeatherTRAK and Baseline are EPA WaterSense Approved and offer scalable solutions for:
- Multi-site water management from a single platform
- Leak detection and notification
- Soil and weather data integration
- Real-time alerts and remote control
- Centralized reporting and budgeting
We’ve worked with leading organizations, municipalities, and schools that have already begun removing turf and replacing it with sustainable alternatives. What they’ve learned is simple: smart irrigation is not a turf-specific solution—it’s a smart water management solution.