Program Overview

Turning Turf Toward a Sustainable Future

The Turnkey Turf Transformation Program (T3 Program) is an innovative regional initiative designed to advance water-use efficiency and environmental sustainability. Spearheaded by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) in collaboration with three partner agencies, Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD), Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), and the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (USGVMWD), the program aims to transform non-functional turf with California-friendly, drought-tolerant landscaping across Southern California.

By converting highly visible and frequently visited public and commercial spaces, T3 program showcases the power of sustainable landscape design to conserve water, the beauty and function of a water-efficient landscape and sets an example for responsible water stewardship. The T3 program provides comprehensive design-to-installation services for selected commercial properties, government facilities, and other public spaces. The program simplifies turf replacement for these sites by offering a complete, managed process, from initial assessment to final installation.

To learn more about non-functional turf in California, please visit Nonfunctional Turf.

California’s ongoing pursuit of modernizing water use efficiency highlights the urgent need to rethink how we use and value water. The T3 Program helps communities lead by example by transforming visible spaces into vibrant, water-efficient landscapes that reflect innovation, conservation, and shared responsibility for our environment.

By reducing reliance on potable water for landscaping, the T3 Program helps secure the state’s water future while promoting environmental stewardship and community pride.

Furthermore, California’s new statewide law, AB 1572, requires local governments, counties, special districts, public schools, universities, and other public agencies to stop watering lawns with potable water that serve no recreational or community purpose on public properties by January 1, 2027. The same law applies to commercial and industrial properties, private schools and universities starting January 1, 2028, and to Homeowners Association common areas starting January 1, 2029.

As such, the T3 Program assists program participants in transforming their non-functional turf into vibrant landscapes, while complying with the new state restriction and the state water code.

Participants and their communities will benefit from:

  • Lower water consumption and utility costs.
  • Healthier, low-maintenance landscapes designed for long-term sustainability.
  • Reimagining lawns and landscape to showcase the beauty and function of a water-efficient landscape.
  • Supports pollinators and ecosystems with native, drought-tolerant plants that provide habitat and food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
  • Positive public recognition for participating organizations and property owners contributing to California’s water conservation efforts.
  • Professional Landscape Design: Two design options tailored to each site’s aesthetics and functional needs.
  • Climate-Appropriate Planting: Diverse, low-water-use plants selected for regional compatibility and visual appeal.
  • High-Efficiency Irrigation: Installation of drip irrigation systems, smart controllers, and rain-sensing technology to minimize waste.
  • Stormwater Management: Integration of runoff prevention and rainwater capture measures when applicable. As such, ground covers like artificial turf will not be included in this program.
  • AB 1572 Compliance: All designs adhere to the new California law prohibiting potable water use on non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.

The T3 program is funded by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) through the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program, which supports initiatives that strengthen local drought resilience and sustainability. The T3 program reflects a collaborative investment in California’s environmental future, one landscape at a time.

Project Partners and Sites

The T3 program is a joint effort among four Southern California water agencies committed to regional sustainability and water conservation. Each participating agency contributes local expertise, outreach, and site coordination to ensure the program’s success and visibility in their respective regions.

Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA)

Serving western San Bernardino County and leading regional water resource management and efficiency programs. To learn more about IEUA’s Water Use Efficiency Programs, visit our Water Use Efficiency Programs page.

Ontario Airport

City of Ontario

More details coming soon

Chino City Hall

City of Chino

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Montclair Fire Station 151

City of Montclair

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Fairfield Trail

City of Chino Hills

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Old Town Park

City of Rancho Cucamonga

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Bear Gulch Park

City of Rancho Cucamonga

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Sunset Ridge Apartments

City of Upland

More details coming soon

Cherry Avenue Median

City of Fontana

More details coming soon

Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD)

Providing wholesale water service to southeastern Ventura County and building regional resilience through water use efficiency and landscape transformation initiatives. To learn more about CMWD’s Water Use Efficiency efforts, please visit Calleguas Municipal Water District.

Civic Center Complex

City of Oxnard

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Oxnard Police Department

City of Oxnard

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Landscape Maintenance District

City of Oxnard

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City of Port Hueneme City Hall

City of Port Hueneme

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Moranda Park

City of Port Hueneme

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Simi Valley City Hall

City of Simi Valley

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Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD)

Serving western Los Angeles County with a focus on sustainable water management and environmental protection. To learn more about LVMWD’s Water Use Efficiency efforts, please visit Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.

Various Roadway Medians

City of Westlake Village

More details coming soon

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water

Providing wholesale water service to Los Angeles County and building regional resilience through water use efficiency and landscape transformation initiatives. To learn more about USGVMWD’s conservation efforts, visit Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.

Baldwin Park School District

City of Baldwin Park

More details coming soon