SEPTEMBER 2022
Dear Valued SCV Water Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Homeowners Association, and Common Interest Development Customers,

In response to severe drought conditions in California including below-average rainfall and reservoir levels, the State Water Resources Control Board has issued a statewide ban on the watering of non-functional turf (NFT) with potable water.

SCV Water is providing you with important information about the ban including:


** Coming Soon ... NFT information available in Spanish **

For more information visit: bit.ly/SCVDroughtReadyCII

We encourage you to communicate with your landscape contractor to determine the best course of action for your property.
What is the ban on non-functional turf?
Non-Functional Turf (NFT) is mowed grass that is ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. It applies to the turf maintained by SCV Water's Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) customers including common areas of Homeowners Associations as well as Common Interest Developments.

On June 16, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board issued a statewide ban on the watering of non-functional turf with potable water, effective for one year, unless extended. This ban will help stretch water supplies to protect the health and safety of all residents.

NFT does not apply to residential properties, school fields, sports fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events.

There are a few exceptions, including areas needed to water trees, shrubs, perennials, and native/drought-tolerant grasses.
To learn more about the ban including enforcement, penalties, and exceptions, read our Non-Functional Turf Emergency Watering Ban bulletin.
How do I comply?
Turn it off. Cap it. Or convert it.
Here are a few ways to help you make the most of your landscape assets while observing the NFT watering ban.

1 TURN IT OFF. If you have not already done so, CII and HOA customers should immediately turn off irrigation systems that ONLY water the NFT areas.

2 CAP IT. Cap individual sprinkler heads that water NFT areas without impacting irrigation of trees, shrubs and perennials.

3 CONVERT IT. Most, if not all, areas designated as NFT should be permanently converted to drought-tolerant or native “SCV Friendly Plants.” Learn more about our Lawn Replacement Program.
For a more in-depth look at the ways to comply, review our NTF Smart Practice Guide.
We encourage our customers to communicate with your landscape contractor to determine the best course of action for your property.
Stage 2 Watering Restrictions Remain in Place
In addition to a ban on Non-Functional Turf, other watering restrictions remain in place for ALL SCV Water customers. This includes prohibited measures, watering restrictions, and designated watering days.
Have questions about the drought? We've got answers! Find them in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Rebates & Resources
Our goal is to partner with our customers by prioritizing education, engagement, and program support. SCV Water has rebates to help you increase your irrigation efficiency and replace your turf with more water-wise and sustainable alternatives.

For rebate information visit bit.ly/SCVRebatePrograms
For NFT Information visit bit.ly/SCVDroughtReadyCII
Questions?
Questions? Email [email protected] Subject: Non-Functional Turf
Learn more about the drought at DroughtReadySCV.com
Thank you for doing your part to protect our most vital resource. We don't have a drop to waste!
SCV Water - Customer Care
24631 Avenue Rockefeller
Valencia, CA 91355
[email protected] // (661) 294-0828