Town of Gilbert, AZ
08/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/12/2026 19:14
Gilbert’s Proactive Water Strategy and Investments Help Prepare for Colorado River Cuts
Gilbert, Ariz. - On August 11, 2026, the Gilbert Town Council was updated on the town's water supply and shortage planning, following the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This EIS establishes guidelines for Colorado River operations over the next decade but lacks long-term certainty, as operational rules will be reviewed every two years.
During the Council study session, Lauren Hixson, the Town's Water Resources Manager, highlighted Gilbert's 40-year history of water planning initiatives aimed at tackling future challenges like those we're experiencing now. Over the last six years, Gilbert has ramped up infrastructure investments, such as expanding the North Water Treatment Plant and drilling eight additional wells. These essential projects, funded primarily by water rates, are a vital part of our long-term strategy to protect Gilbert's ability to continue delivering safe, clean water to our community during ongoing Colorado River water shortages.
"None of it was free. None of it just happened to us," Hixson emphasized. "We had to actively do this work."
Since 1989, Gilbert has stored nearly 560,000 acre-feet of water underground, enough to fill Canyon Lake nearly ten times, providing a vital buffer during surface water shortages.
Gilbert, along with other Valley cities, is awaiting the federal two-year operating guidelines, which will take effect in January 2027, in order to understand how they will specifically affect Gilbert. However, we want our residents to know that Gilbert is prepared for the challenges ahead. Through responsible management, strategic planning, and infrastructure investment, the Town has developed a diverse water portfolio to ensure reliable service for residents and businesses.
Water conservation is more crucial now than ever, and we need the community's support to safeguard our water resources. Recent data from the Town confirms that our conservation efforts are successful. Despite a 21% population growth since 2017, Gilbert has kept its water usage stable and even reduced it by 5% between 2024 and 2025. Learn how you can make small changes at home that make a big difference gilbertaz.gov/waterconservation.
Town of Gilbert, AZ published this content on August 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 13, 2026 at 01:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]