January 13, 2026
Dear Mayor Mahan and San Jose City Councilmembers,
When cities partner with government agencies to agree that plastic grass is inappropriate for landscaping around private homes and public buildings, it must also be considered inappropriate for play surfaces, whether on sports fields, playgrounds, or dog parks.
It is truly encouraging to see San Jose partnering with the Valley Water District to replace water-intensive lawns with drought-tolerant plants and permeable hardscaping. This kind of collaboration sets an important example of responsible water stewardship.
When California cities, agencies and government districts work together to solve serious environmental and public health concerns we are all better served. As a bonus, our domesticated pets, wild birds, mammals, pollinators, fish, and so on are also better off when we conserve our watersheds and drinking water.
It’s also encouraging to see that the Water District recognizes plastic for the scourge it is by prohibiting, among other items, both plastic grass and plastic sheeting, also called weed cloth or, sometimes, geotextile.
Prohibited Materials when replacing Lawn
The following materials are not permitted in the landscape conversion area and will be subtracted from the final rebate amount if installed:
Artificial turf
Non-qualifying plant material, including invasive species, high-water-use plants, and seeded or sod grass. For invasive species and recommended alternatives, visit Cal-IPC and PlantRight.
Plastic or non-biodegradable weed barriers, such as weed cloth or plastic sheeting.
Impervious hardscapes, including:
Concrete, asphalt, or other materials that prevent water infiltration
Pavers or flagstone installed with grout, mortar, polymeric sand, or sealants (on the surface or in the joints)
Concrete pads or slabs larger than 24" x 24”
Project areas with pavers or flagstone that use grout, mortar, or polymeric sand in the joints, or have been sealed with surface or joint sealants, are not considered permeable. These areas will be disqualified from the rebate program if installed.
Structures and features such as hot tubs, pools, ponds, water features, building extensions, sheds, outdoor kitchens, or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that prevent rainwater from percolating into the soil below.
Valley Water's Artificial Turf Fact Sheet outlines clear reasons for excluding these products from rebate programs.
Even beyond those reasons, all plastic materials shed microplastics as they degrade, through fading, cracking, and breaking apart. These microplastics contaminate our soil, air, and waterways, ultimately reaching our creeks, streams, and the San Francisco Bay.
Plastic turf neither aligns with the City’s environmental or sustainability goals nor does it protect health. The responsible path forward is clear: San Jose should lead by example and phase out the use of plastic turf in all public and private spaces.
Sincerely,
Susan Hinton
Chair, Plastic Pollution Prevention Committee
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Gita Dev
Chair, Conservation Committee
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter