The South San Joaquin Irrigation District is getting rid of ornamental grass in front of its headquarters just east of Manteca on Highway 120 in advance of new state water laws going into effect in 2027.

The board when they meet Tuesday at  9 a.m. will consider a $63,700 project to replace the grass with 4,415 square feet of synthetic turf and 440 linear feet of 1x4 bender board.

The border area will be covered with 4 to 10 inches of cobble. It also includes moss covered boulders that will be delivered in January,

The district stopped watering the grass — but not shrubbery and trees — at the headquarters office in March of 2022 when California was in the deep throes of the last drought.

It was in compliance with a  statewide order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom regarding the suspension of water ornamental grass at government facilities.

That was followed up by the California State Legislature passing Assembly Bill AB 1572 in October of 2023 that basically restricts outdoor water use for lawn and other areas on a phase in time frame beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The District was using the services  of Endeavor Landscape to mow the lawn and clean other landscaped areas at a rate of $425 per month up until this past August.

 SSJID will  likely hire landscapers for yearly trimming of trees and shrubs. Monthly maintenance for the synthetic turf will be performed by staff.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecdabulletin.com