Construction of five new wells is complete, more on the way: Gilbert advances $116 million water infrastructure investment

Gilbert, Ariz - Gilbert has completed construction on five of eight planned drinking water wells, a milestone reached this year after Town officials accelerated the timeline due to continued uncertainty over the Colorado River water supply. The wells, originally slated for later years in the Town's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, were moved up to begin construction in 2023 and are now undergoing testing and commissioning. All eight wells are expected to be fully operational by early 2027, adding vital new supply to the Town's water system.

This program is one of the most significant capital investments in Gilbert's water infrastructure to date, totaling approximately $116 million. Funded through a combination of system development fees and water rates, it reflects the community's direct investment in its own long-term water security.

Since the early 1990s, Gilbert has been strategically recharging water in the aquifer at places like the Riparian Preserve. By drilling wells now to access those previously stored supplies, Gilbert is working to ensure a reliable, resilient water supply is in place in advance of Colorado River reductions. Gilbert currently draws on a combination of surface water, reclaimed water, and groundwater, strategically blending these sources to meet the community's needs. Adding locally controlled wells strengthens that portfolio and reduces dependence on any single source.

The Well Development Process

Developing a drinking water well is a multi-phase process. Before drilling begins, Gilbert identifies potential well sites by working with hydrologists to evaluate locations throughout the Town. Additionally, the Town must secure required permits and agency approvals, including coordination with the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

A geotechnical investigation then collects soil samples to inform the design, followed by site preparation to install temporary pipelines and sound barrier walls to reduce noise impacts on neighbors.

Well drilling proceeds in stages: a pilot borehole is drilled and samples collected to assess water quality and water availability, engineers finalize the well design, and the stainless steel casing is installed. Once active drilling begins, it runs continuously (24 hours a day, seven days a week) for approximately eight weeks.

After drilling, and confirming water availability at the site, the well enters an outfitting phase, during which equipment is designed, procured, and installed to connect the well to Gilbert's drinking water distribution system. A block wall is also constructed around the site to meet security requirements.

The Bigger Picture

The Wells Development Program is just one piece of a much larger effort to invest in Gilbert's water future. The Town's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan outlines a broad portfolio of current and future water infrastructure projects, each one part of a long-term commitment to delivering safe, reliable water to Gilbert residents and businesses for years to come. To learn more, visit gilbertaz.gov/cip.