River Water Shortage Taken Seriously in Gilbert

(GILBERT) – The Colorado River water shortage makes Gilbert's lack of H2O tighter.

Recent uproar over the rapidly increasing cost of water has amplified the need to conserve whenever possible. The Parks and Recreation Department is doing its share to help reduce water usage in Gilbert via a $3 million grant from the state to remove decorative turf and replace it with water-efficient landscaping.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch / Photo credit: Teri Tracy

This measure is presented in response to significant concerns about water availability and safety, both of which are challenged by the need for robust infrastructure improvements and worsening drought conditions valleywide. 

Gilbert announced these plans on Dec. 4, highlighting drought, climate change, and an all-time high in water usage impacting the Colorado River. The overview states that the change will be applied to five parks throughout the town and will replace a collective 130,000 square feet of turf. 

Photo credit: Town of Gilbert

The switch to desert-friendly landscaping is predicted to save 30 gallons per square foot, totaling 3.9 million gallons per year. That’s a large droplet in Gilbert’s well.

Rather than removing turf usage areas, such as sports fields and picnic areas, the project will focus on removing only decorative grass, which is intended to curb water use while still offering the same amenities to parkgoers.

These more natural landscape installations will be additionally supplemented by strategically placed covered structures to further reduce the desert flora’s demand for water. By shading plants with benches and ramadas, they’ll need to be watered even less. 

That clever idea can be applied to residential settings as well.

Freestone Park / Photo credit: Teri Tracy

Recent conservation measures don’t stop there. The announcement included a rebate for residents interested in conserving water. This incentivised resource entails removing residential lawn grass, which earns residents a $2,000 rebate, and an additional $1,000 rebate for planting low-water-use desert plants. 

Another available rebate for residents and business owners alike involves installing a smart irrigation system, with rebate amounts that may vary by property type.

Alongside these announcements is the Water Supply Reduction Management Plan, which is currently in its first phase. In phase 1, the plan focuses on localised water-use reduction, starting at lower levels, including educating residents on ways to conserve water and supporting voluntary residential conservation.

These are big steps for the Town of Gilbert to reduce water spending in an effort to support the ongoing water treatment facility upgrade project, which has been the primary cause of the substantial utility bills that residents have heavily scrutinized. 

Local residents have swarmed the podium at recent town council meetings for months, citing unaffordable increases in utility bills and, consequently, HOA fees. Some approach the council to say they simply cannot afford their new rates, no matter what they do. 

Hopes are high for this new project to make a palpable impact on water scarcity in Gilbert, but it won’t be enough to help residents already struggling to pay their bills. 

“These changes reflect Gilbert’s approach to balancing sustainability with community enjoyment, showing how careful planning can protect the water supply while continuing to prioritize recreational fields and spaces where residents gather and play,” the announcement reads.

A town council meeting on Dec. 16 at Town Hall will announce a new short-term solution to the water bill crisis, which OpGov.ai will bring you first. 

If you would like to add to or correct anything in this report, please email me at tracy.t@lead4earth.org.