Gilbert completes five new drinking water wells

Gilbert has completed construction on five of eight planned drinking water wells as part of a $116 million water infrastructure investment designed to expand local water supplies and support long-term water reliability.

Town officials accelerated the well construction schedule from its original timeline in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan because of ongoing uncertainty surrounding Colorado River water supplies.

Construction on the wells began in 2023, and the completed wells are undergoing testing and commissioning. All eight wells are expected to be operational by early 2027.

The project is funded through a combination of system development fees and water rates. Once complete, the wells will provide additional locally controlled water supplies for Gilbert's water system.

Gilbert has stored water in underground aquifers since the early 1990s through recharge efforts, including at the Riparian Preserve. The new wells are intended to access a portion of those stored groundwater reserves.

The town's water system relies on a combination of surface water, reclaimed water and groundwater sources.

Developing a drinking water well involves multiple phases, including site selection, permitting, engineering studies and drilling. Town staff work with hydrologists to identify suitable locations and obtain required approvals from regulatory agencies.

The construction process includes geotechnical investigations, site preparation and installation of temporary infrastructure. Drilling operations typically continue around the clock for about eight weeks.

After drilling is completed, equipment is installed to connect the well to the town's drinking water distribution system and security features are added to the site.

The well development program is part of Gilbert's broader water infrastructure strategy outlined in its 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, which includes projects aimed at maintaining a reliable water supply for residents and businesses.