West Basin MWD targets non-functional turf replacement ahead of 2027 California ban

West Basin MWD targets non-functional turf replacement ahead of 2027 California banThe district is awaiting final approval on a $1.5 million state grant to double its parkway beautification program as it readies 17 municipalities for looming irrigation restrictions.

California's upcoming 2027 ban on irrigating non-functional turf with potable water is driving aggressive district outreach to 17 cities.

West Basin expects a $1.5 million DWR grant to fund 60 water-conserving parkways and up to 25 commercial or public agency turf replacement sites.

Metropolitan Water District recently adjusted its base rebates to $3 per square foot for public agencies and $2 per square foot for businesses.

The district secured an extension through June 2026 for a US Bureau of Reclamation turf replacement grant and is seeking a further one-year extension.

West Basin Municipal Water District is accelerating its commercial and public agency turf replacement programs as the clock ticks toward a 2027 California mandate banning the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional grass. To support the transition, the district is poised to receive a significant funding injection. During an April 16 committee meeting, the district's Manager of Water Policy and Resources announced that West Basin is awaiting final approval from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for over $1.5 million in grant funding. The funds became available through the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan after a separate project in a disadvantaged community dropped out. The Greater LA Leadership Committee has already approved West Basin's proposal to reallocate the funds, sending it to DWR for final sign-off. If approved, the grant will allow West Basin to more than double its parkway beautification efforts, funding the construction of 60 water-conserving parkways. It will also finance non-functional turf replacement at 20 to 25 commercial or municipal sites. The district will have to move quickly to deploy the capital, as the grant stipulates that projects must be completed by the end of March 2027. The district's general manager and water policy team are actively meeting with all 17 cities within the service area to prepare them for the 2027 ban and promote available financial resources. This includes base rebates provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which recently adjusted its funding levels to $3 per square foot for public agencies and $2 per square foot for businesses. West Basin is also working to maximize its existing federal funding. The district recently secured an extension through June 2026 for a US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) residential grass replacement grant. Staff noted they are already seeking an additional one-year extension to ensure the remaining $67,000 of the original $385,000 USBR allocation is fully utilized before expiration.