A broad new water conservation law will soon take effect in phases, banning the watering of “ornamental turf” at corporate, industrial, government and homeowners association properties with drinking water across California as a way to preserve supplies. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the new state law in 2023 as California was emerging from a harsh three-year drought. Starting on Jan. 1, it will be illegal for local and regional government agencies across the state — including schools, cities, counties, courthouses, fire stations and libraries — to irrigate decorative grass with potable water whether or not California is in a drought. Enforcement is expected to be light at first. But scofflaws eventually could face fines of up to $1,000 a day. 

Other water conservation news:

• FOX13 (Salt Lake City): Washington County ups the ante for turf you don’t use