Orange adopts non-functional turf watering ban, approves $1.9m for utility maintenance

Orange adopts non-functional turf watering ban, approves $1.9m for utility maintenanceThe California municipality has enacted a new water conservation ordinance and authorized nearly $2 million to supply water maintenance operations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 10-26, prohibiting the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf.

Authorized $1.94 million in purchase orders for miscellaneous materials and supplies for FY 2026-2027 water maintenance operations.

Approved the Notice of Completion for the Main Street and Providence Avenue Sewer Improvements and Tustin Street Storm Drain Rehabilitation.

During its June 23, 2026 meeting, the Orange City Council advanced key water conservation and utility maintenance initiatives, unanimously passing a suite of water-related items as part of its consent calendar. The council adopted Ordinance No. 10-26, which officially prohibits the use of potable water for the irrigation of non-functional turf areas. The second reading and adoption of the ordinance aligns the city with broader statewide drought response and water demand management objectives, targeting ornamental grass that serves no recreational or functional civic purpose. In addition to the conservation measure, the council approved $1.94 million in purchase orders to secure miscellaneous materials and supplies for water maintenance operations from various vendors for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The council also formally accepted the completion of two local infrastructure upgrades: the Main Street and Providence Avenue Sewer Improvements and the Tustin Street Storm Drain Rehabilitation. The City Clerk was authorized to file the official Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. All utility and stormwater items were approved in a 6-0 vote without further discussion, with one council member absent.