Gilbert Prepares for Increased Colorado River Water Shortage in 2026

Gilbert, Ariz.- The Town of Gilbert anticipates an approximate 9 percent reduction in its Colorado River water allocation in 2026 as a result of the ongoing Level 1 Shortage Condition. This increase from the 2025 reduction is mainly caused by the expiration of mitigation supplies established under the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan.

Despite the expected reduction in water allocation, Gilbert remains well-equipped to meet the community's water demands. To offset the decreased river supply, the Town will draw on previously stored water from the aquifer.

In 2026, Gilbert will remain in Stage 1 of its Water Supply Reduction Management Plan. This stage includes municipal water use reductions and calls on residents and businesses to increase conservation efforts.

Gilbert continues to proactively plan for a future that uses less Colorado River water through a comprehensive three-pronged strategy focused on:

• Operational resiliency

• Long-term portfolio sustainability

• Water conservation and efficiency

Key initiatives under this strategy include:

• Drilling seven new groundwater wells

• Deploying Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) across the community

• Expanding grass removal rebate programs to encourage water-wise landscaping

Looking ahead, Gilbert is actively engaged in regional and federal discussions to shape the post-2026 operational guidelines for the Colorado River. These guidelines, set to take effect in 2027, are critical to stabilizing the river system for all users across the basin. Gilbert is committed to collaborating with Arizona stakeholders, other basin states, and the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a consensus-based path forward.