City of Davis, CA
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Nov 14
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Got cartons? Starting in December, there will be a drop-off location in Davis where people can bring empty and rinsed cartons for recycling. More information coming soon!
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When water flows down the street gutter and into a storm drain, it enters a series of underground pipes that carry the water away from properties and streets. This storm drain system is designed to protect the City from flooding by conveying stormwater to detention ponds, drainage channels and lift stations, then out to local waterways and the ocean. In portions of Davis north of I-80, most stormwater flows directly from the streets to local ponds (West Area Pond, Evergreen Pond, Julie Partansky Pond, Sutter Davis Hospital Pond, the Cannery Pond and the Core Area Pond), then through drainage channels to the Willow Slough Bypass, then out to the Yolo Bypass, the Sacramento River and the ocean. In portions of Davis south of I-80, the stormwater flows through various drainage channels and then is pumped into the Yolo Bypass. Unlike wastewater that goes down the drains inside a home (via sinks, showers, toilets, etc.), stormwater is not treated and is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. When stormwater carries pollutants (such as dirt, trash, animal waste, oil, gas, fertilizers, pesticides, metals, etc.) to our local water bodies, it not only harms aquatic plants and animals, but can also cause adverse effects on our use of water for swimming, fishing, drinking and agriculture. Because of these factors, it’s important to remember that only rain belongs in a storm drain. https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/stormwater/pollution-prevention-at-home
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If you start to see large flocks of turkeys around town, it's not because the wild turkey population has grown excessively. It's just that time of the year when local wild turkeys form large foraging groups (instead of roaming around alone or in smaller groups) and meander around wider sections of town. It can be quite a sight to see a large flock of 40 turkeys in your neighborhood! Turkeys can be fun to watch, and they help to keep pests like slugs, snails, and cockroaches out of the garden, but they can also behave aggressively, tear up landscaping in search of food, leave a mess on sidewalks, and pose a traffic hazard when crossing busy streets. To encourage peaceful coexistence with our large, feathered neighbors, please do not feed the turkeys. Turkeys are able to find appropriate food on their own. Statewide, the wild turkey population is healthy and thriving. Here are some other ways that you can help to reduce conflict with wild turkeys in your neighborhood and around town: • If you use a bird feeder, keep the area below the feeder clear of fallen seed. • If turkeys begin feeding under your bird feeders, remove the feeders until the turkeys stop visiting the site. This may take several days to weeks. • If turkeys are causing problems in your yard, consider installing motion-detecting sprinklers. • If your dog has free roam of your yard, you’ve got a built-in deterrent. Wild turkeys typically will not enter yards with dogs. • If confronted by a wild turkey that has lost its fear of humans, an open umbrella or walking stick may help steer it out of your path. Turkeys rarely make aggressive physical contact with humans. Be assertive and dominant. Let that turkey know you're in control. • Avoid sudden stops or swerves when encountering turkeys in the roadway. If safe to do so, slow down to 10 mph and proceed. The turkeys will move out of the way. Find more tips on the Living with Wildlife webpage: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/urban-wildlife/tips-for-living-with-wildlife
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Non-Functional Turf Irrigation Ban
The State has instituted a state-wide ban on irrigation of decorative or non-functional turf with potable water in commercial, industrial and institutional settings. This regulation applies to turf (mowed grass) that is ornamental and not otherwise used for recreation.
The irrigation ban does not apply to:
- residential (single and multi-family) lawns
- school fields
- sports fields
- areas regularly used for civic or community events
The State estimates that ending irrigation of non-functional turf state-wide will save the equivalent of water used by as many as 780,000 households every year. It is important to note that the regulation does not restrict the watering of non-turf plantings or trees, which are essential for shade and cooling as the state experiences more extreme heat events.
CII Non-Functional Turf Information Sheet
Resources for Turf Conversion
Landscape irrigation can account for up to 65% of water use in the Sacramento Valley. Converting non-functional turf to water-wise landscaping can reduce water use and potentially lower your water bill. Visit the water-wise landscaping page for information on plant choice and a list of water-wise landscaping resources.
During the last drought, the City of Woodland and Yolo Resource Conservation District developed water-wise landscape plans with turf alternatives for mow strips. These plans include planting lay-outs and irrigation installation and timing instructions. There are four planting plans:
- California Natives (plants native to California)
- California Native Meadow (grass-like groundcover and native wildflowers)
- Valley-Wise Plan (native and non-native plants adapted to the Woodland/Davis area)
- Saline Alkaline Soils Plan (for soils with a high pH)
The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden also offers a variety of printable planting plans:
- Low Maintenance Planting Plan
- California Native Planting Plan
- Wildlife Planting Plan
- Arboretum All-Star Planting Plan
When converting non-functional turf, please be mindful of any trees that may be supported by the existing irrigation system. If you have trees in otherwise non-functional turf that is irrigated by sprinklers, consider converting your irrigation to drip irrigation. Drip irrigation applies water slowly onto the soil, allowing the water to infiltrate into the root zone of the tree to ensure it continues to receive water. Learn more about converting to drip irrigation on the irrigation page and find more information on caring for trees on the urban forestry page and at treedavis.org.
State FAQs on the Non-Functional Turf Irrigation Ban
Full text and complete list of State FAQs on the Non-Functional Turf Irrigation Ban
What is the definition of “turf”?
The State defines turf as “a ground cover surface of mowed grass.” This official definition of turf can be found in section 491 of title 23 of the California Code of Regulations.
What is “non-functional turf”?
Non-functional turf is defined by the State as a ground cover surface of mowed grass that is ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. Non-functional turf does not include school fields, sports fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events.
Does the non-functional turf irrigation ban apply to residential properties?
No, residential properties may continue to irrigate turf, subject to local rules. The Board encourages people to reduce turf irrigation on their properties and to convert turf to water-wise plants, but those are not required by this regulation. For more information and practical tips for converting your landscape and making your yard more water-wise, visit SaveOurWater.com.
Are there any exceptions to the non-functional turf irrigation ban?
The ban only applies to irrigation of non-functional turf in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors and only applies to irrigation with potable water. It does not apply to residential lawns or any turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes, such as community spaces, or sports fields and other turf spaces used for recreation or events. The regulation does not ban the irrigation of trees or other non-turf plantings.
May people use recycled water or greywater to irrigate turf?
Yes, however the Board encourages people to prioritize irrigation of trees and other plants due to the severity of the drought and the amount of water required for turf.
Does the regulation affect trees? Do urban trees need to be watered?
The regulation does not restrict the watering of trees, just turf. Although most mature trees often require little to no irrigation, some species do. The Board urges people to continue to water trees, even while reducing or stopping the irrigation of turf. Trees that are just getting established may need to be watered more frequently, including hand watering. Trees near or on non-functional turf could be impacted by some responses to the ban on turf irrigation, but the regulation allows continued irrigation of trees even if turf, such as turf under trees, will receive water. For more information about tree species and water needs, visit the Save Our Trees section within SaveOurWater.com.
Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) & HOA Residents
The regulation applies to HOAs but only to non-functional turf on property the homeowners’ association (HOA) owns, not residences. While an individual’s property is considered residential, property owned and maintained by an HOA is considered the same as landscapes owned and maintained by commercial or institutional entities. This means that the regulation does not prevent homeowners from irrigating turf; it prohibits the irrigation of non-functional turf (with potable water) on property an HOA owns. However, the regulation does not ban the irrigation of turf used for recreation or community activities.
An HOA should review areas of turf that it maintains, consult with residents, and determine whether the turf is functional or not. Water suppliers may defer to HOAs’ determinations that specific areas of turf are used for recreation or community events.