Drought

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Emergency Conservation Regulation - March 2023

On March 24, 2023, the California Governor issued executive order N-5-23, which rescinds many provisions of previous drought emergency orders (including the lifting of mandated Stage II drought measures). While some drought provisions have been lifted, City customers can continue to take common sense measures and help to conserve by conducting the following:

Routinely check for and repair leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a timely manner
Not irrigating landscape between the hours of noon and 6:00pm
Use water features (i.e., fountains) that recirculate water
Use shut of nozzles with hoses to conserve water
Preserve water by not washing paved areas, sweep instead

Additionally, the State has maintained the restriction against the use of potable water for the irrigation of non-functional turf. The State has required that:

The use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties is prohibited.

Please see the CII Non-Functional Turf Restrictions section below for additional information on non-functional turf restrictions.

The City of Fairfield has access to multiple water supplies, and over the past several decades, the City has conducted good planning to prepare for droughts so that the City can avoid a water shortage. The City’s updated water supply and demand assessment confirms that the City will not be experiencing water shortages any time soon. Good planning means that droughts will have different effects on different agencies. As it relates to the City of Fairfield, Lake Berryessa will continue to be the more reliable safeguard that keeps the City out of experiencing water shortages. The State Water Project, which is the less reliable of the City’s two water sources, will continue to be utilized in a manner that maximizes and offsets usage out of Lake Berryessa.

HOA Prohibitions

Do you live in an homeowner association (HOA)? Have any concerns for regulations during the drought? The State Water Resources Control Board put out a fact sheet of prohibitions for HOAs when the state isn't in a drought and when it is.

To help HOAs reach their outdoor water efficiency and cost-saving goals, click here to visit EPA's WaterSense page for HOAs full of tips, tools, and resources for HOA leadership to use as a guide for community planning and contractor selection. Start with the HOA Outdoor Water Efficiency Roadmap to figure out where you are on your water efficiency journey and see what steps you should take next to ensure a beautiful, water-smart community.

CII Non-Functional Turf Restrictions

On March 24, 2023 the California Governor issued executive order N-5-23, which restricted the use of potable water for the irrigation of non-functional turf. The Emergency Regulation to Ban Decorative Grass Watering (non-functional turf irrigation) in commercial, industrial, and institutional areas, including HOA common areas expired by operation of law on June 5, 2024. In October 2023, however, the California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1572, which phases in a ban on decorative grass watering in commercial, industrial, and institutional areas permanently.

What is non-functional turf?

According to the State Emergency Order, “Non-functional turf” is defined as “turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. Non-functional turf does not include sports fields and turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events.”

What are some examples of Functional and Non-Functional Turf under the Executive Order?

Functional Turf is a grass area that is regularly used for recreational benefit. Some examples include:

Residential – turf within individual home yards.
Athletic Field – turf used for sports or physical education.
Designated use area – turf designated for special use at cemeteries and mortuaries.
Pet relief area – turf at a property commercial and retail services for pets, such as veterinarian and boarding facilities.
Playground – turf within designated play areas with playground amenities on homeowner association owned/managed property or public park, school, daycare, recreation center, senior center, or religious institutions.

Non-Functional Turf

Streetscape – turf located along public or private streets, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
Frontage, courtyard, interior and building adjacent – turf in front of, between, behind, or otherwise adjacent to a building or buildings on a non-residential property.
Certain HOA-managed landscape areas – turf managed by a homeowner association that does not provide a recreational benefit to the community or that otherwise does not qualify as functional turf.

To see the full text of the order, please read the State Executive Order.

Please see the fact sheet from the California State Water Boards for additional information.

Conserving Water During Drought

Reducing Irrigation

During drought conditions, reducing irrigation is an effective way to conserve water. Prioritize watering your vegetables and fruits first, as they provide essential food. Additionally, plants that take longer to mature, such as trees and native plants, should also receive water. Once established, drought-tolerant plants and shade trees require minimal watering. Lawns, which are particularly thirsty, should be the last priority. Most grasses will enter dormancy when watering is reduced. While grass can be easily replaced, trees take years to grow.

Water Here_Less Here

Prepare Your Landscape

As our climate get warmer, consider replacing your lawn and switching to a water-wise garden. By choosing drought tolerant plants that are native to our region you can help save water and help local pollinators. The Solano County Water Agency (SCWA) is offering the Water-Efficient Landscape Rebate Program to water customers who install sustainable water efficient landscaping. To learn more about this program and how to apply, click here.