Gilbert Town Council Approves Notice of Intent to Increase Water and Solid Waste and Recycling Rates

Gilbert, AZ - On December 16, 2025, the Gilbert Town Council voted 7-0 to adopt a Notice of Intent to increase water and solid waste and recycling rates for all residential and commercial customers. The proposed water increase is part of a planned three-year water rate adjustment that began in 2024, with the potential for a fourth year, depending on the option chosen by the Council. These phased increases are designed to fund aging infrastructure and secure Gilbert's water supply as the Colorado River faces ongoing shortages.

Important: This is not an official approval of any rate increase. The Council has directed the Public Works staff to continue researching and evaluating alternative options. View the 2026 Water and Solid Waste and Recycling Rate Study here.

This notice is solely to inform customers about Gilbert's consideration of a potential utility rate increase. No decision regarding a rate increase has been made yet. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback before any formal decision is made and can expect additional communication from the Town in the coming weeks.

In October 2025, the Gilbert Public Works Advisory Board, consisting of Gilbert residents serving as community advisors for public works projects and services, along with Town liaisons, recommended two potential water rate increase options:

• 25% rate increase in April 2026, with no increase in 2027.

• 14% increase in April 2026, followed by another 14% in 2027.

At the February 17, 2026 council meeting, the Town Council will review and vote on one of these rate options, as well as a proposed 2% increase in solid waste and recycling rates for residential customers, which is less than $0.60 a month. For commercial customers, the proposed rate increase for solid waste and recycling is 20%, and the new rate could range from $44 to $400, depending on the type of service.

If Council chooses to move forward with any of these options, the applicable rate increase will take effect in April 2026.

Stay informed about the latest water rate updates by signing up for our weekly e-newsletter. Current rates can be viewed here.

Watch the December 16, 2025 Council Meeting below.