Committee approves substitute to require low‑water turf and irrigation efficiency at state facilities

Senate Bill 252 (first substitute) was presented by Senator Pitcher with technical remarks from Chris Cox, DFCM Building Performance Program Manager. The substitute adds a requirement that new or replacement turf at state facilities be low-water-use turf and sets a mechanical distribution uniformity (DU) expectation of 75% or higher for irrigation systems.

Chris Cox explained distribution uniformity is a measure of uniform coverage across a landscape and said the change clarifies mechanical efficiency expectations for sprinkler systems and complements earlier legislation that targeted overall state water reductions. He told the committee that DFCM already works with grounds teams across the state on water reductions and reporting.

Committee members asked how a 75% DU would change on-the-ground practice and whether the substitute would carry a fiscal note for audits. Senator Sandel and other members said the DU and low‑water‑turf provisions could be folded into existing DFCM tasks and that costs could be absorbed within current programs. Senator Sandel moved the substitute and the committee passed SB 252 with a recorded vote of 3–1.