California officials are ordering an end to traditional grassy lawns for new homes and businesses as they continue targeting ornamental landscapes as a waste of water.
The California Water Commission voted Wednesday to adopt more stringent water rules for new lawns. The new rules would essentially eliminate grass from new office and commercial buildings and reduce turf at new homes to a quarter of landscaping.
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But the rules don't mean new homes will be devoid of lawns. Builders can also comply by using recycled water from showers and toilets to water traditional-looking lawns.
Local governments must comply or adopt similar rules by the end of the year. The state already updated its building standards to minimize lawn watering.
Some environmentalists say new decorative lawns shouldn't be taking any drinking-quality water.
