The town of Gilbert announced a partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation to combat the ongoing drought crisis affecting the Colorado River system.

As part of Phase 2 of the Lower Colorado River Basin Conservation and Efficiency Program, Gilbert will receive nearly $17 million in funding for local water conservation and efficiency projects. 

Gilbert has signed two system conservation implementation agreements with the Bureau of Reclamation:

• Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project: This agreement provides about $3 million in funding for the installation of more than 27,000 AMI meters. These advanced meters will offer real-time data, enabling the town to detect and repair leaks more efficiently, thus reducing water loss. In 2023, Gilbert saved 43 million gallons by alerting residents and businesses to leaks using AMI data. This funding will expand the service area and further enhance water conservation efforts.
• Riparian Preserve Distribution Structure Improvement Project: This agreement allocates nearly $14 million to increase Gilbert’s capacity to recharge renewable water supplies at the town's cornerstone recharge facility. This project will help sustain water use as Colorado River water becomes scarcer and will also provide wildlife and environmental benefits by supplying more water to the rare desert riparian environment. 

“These investments are a prime example of how strong partnerships coupled with the implementation of innovative solutions can ensure a sustainable future for the Colorado River,” Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said in a release. “These long-term investments support the resiliency of communities across the State of Arizona for the benefit of generations to come.”  

Through these agreements, Gilbert has committed to conserving a total of 8,500 acre-feet of Colorado River water in Lake Mead over the next 10 years, which represents approximately 3% of the town’s total Colorado River allocation.

Colorado River water constitutes 40% of Gilbert’s sustainable water supply, and this investment in AMI and recharge capacity enhances the town’s flexibility in facing a future with reduced Colorado River water availability, according to the town. 

“Gilbert remains committed to collaborating with Arizona partners, the entire river basin, and the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a consensus agreement for post-2026 river operations,” Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson said in the release. “The town recognizes that addressing the Colorado River drought crisis requires all stakeholders' investment and action. This historic federal funding, combined with local contributions from Gilbert residents, supports the commitment to ensuring that a shortage on the river does not mean a shortage at the tap.” 

These projects are integral to Gilbert’s three-pronged strategy for managing Colorado River shortages, which includes operational resiliency, long-term portfolio sustainability and water conservation and efficiency.

Over the past several years, Gilbert has actively participated in regional strategies addressing the Colorado River system's challenges, including the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan, the 500 Plus Plan, the Bucket 1A Program, and now the Bucket 2 Program. 

Those interested in learning more about Gilbert’s efforts can do so at www.gilbertaz.gov/WaterShortage.