Overview

Since 1986, Gilbert has been using 100 percent of its reclaimed water. All wastewater in Gilbert is captured and highly treated so that it can be safely used for irrigation and other non-potable (other than drinking) uses. This recycled, or reclaimed, water helps ease the demand on our groundwater and surface water resources since less drinking water is used on landscapes. Reclaimed water is the only water source that grows as a community grows and that makes it vital to sustainable water management.

In 2020, 2.9 billion gallons of reclaimed water was used in place of drinking water for landscape irrigation. In the peak demand period in summer, reclaimed water saves more than 17 million gallons of drinking water each day!

In addition to landscape irrigation for HOAs, golf courses, and parks, Gilbert has recharged an average of 3 billion gallons of reclaimed water each year for the past 10 years at its four reclaimed water recharge facilities.

Direct Use

Gilbert delivers reclaimed water to HOAs, golf courses, schools, parks, and other community facilities for landscape irrigation. 2.9 billion gallons of reclaimed water was delivered to these reclaimed water users in 2020.

Driving around Gilbert you may notice lakes or ponds surrounding HOAs and golf courses. These lakes are not filled with drinking water. Gilbert’s reclaimed water system requires users to provide a storage site for the water. Often these storage sites are above ground and serve as small lakes or ponds. Gilbert delivers water to these “lakes” and then the end user (e.g. HOA or Golf Course) pumps it into their distribution system for use on landscaping.

Recharge

Gilbert owns and operates four reclaimed water recharge facilities within the Town limits. Gilbert has recharged approximately 55 billion gallons of reclaimed water to date. Available reclaimed water above what is delivered for direct use is recharged to replenish the aquifer. The reclaimed water percolates several hundred feet into the aquifer where it is capable of being used again as a future water source. The act of recharging helps maintain groundwater levels and provides a reserve supply that can be used during shortages.

An added benefit to water recharge is the creation of desert riparian habitat that attracts a variety of wildlife. These fragile riparian areas occur naturally on less than 1 % of the land in Arizona but support more than 60% of the wildlife. Over 140 different species of birds visit the sites in Gilbert throughout the year.