Gilbert is continually evaluating its water resource portfolio to be able to serve Gilbert residents and businesses now and into the future. Gilbert’s current supplies include surface water, reclaimed water, and groundwater, and Gilbert combines these water resources to strategically meet the water needs of the community. For more information on Gilbert’s water resources, visit Gilbert Water Resources.

In an effort to provide for current and future drinking water demands, Gilbert is in the process of evaluating seven locations within the town of Gilbert for development of drinking water wells. Each location is being evaluated and designed for installation of a well and associated equipment, as well as utility and pipeline construction to connect to Gilbert’s drinking water distribution system.

Gilbert has contracted with two engineering firms for design services, two contractors for construction services, and a construction management firm for project management/construction management services. This will allow for more than one well site to be in design and construction concurrently, in order to expedite the timeline for this work.

The Wells Development Program is expected to run from January 2024 through December 2026, with well drilling activity at some locations beginning as early as February 2024. Information will be provided in advance to those near the planned work activity.

The following is a general overview for typical well drilling, subsequent well equipment installation, and site construction activities. This process will take place for each of the well locations:

• Agency Reviews and Approvals: Agency approvals will be obtained prior to the start of well drilling operations. The project team will coordinate with various agencies and property owners, to include, but not limited to, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and Town of Gilbert. This activity will also include selecting a well driller subcontractor.
• Geotechnical Investigation: Geotechnical borings will be conducted, and soil samples taken to better understand the soil and subsurface conditions to support ongoing engineering design efforts. It is anticipated that this activity will be completed in 1 day and within daytime business hours.
• Site Preparation: Initial contractor activities will include water supply and well water discharge pipelines, and sound attenuation walls to reduce noise impacts to nearby residents or businesses during well drilling. These activities are expected to take up to 4 weeks.
• Well Drilling: Activities include several steps; pilot bore hole drilling, water sampling and laboratory testing, final design, steel well casing installation, well development and final well report. The work associated with these activities is anticipated to take up to 20 weeks to complete.
  • Pilot Bore Hole, Water Sampling and Testing: Initially a pilot bore hole will be drilled to a depth determined from the data obtained during this activity. At various intervals during drilling, soil and water samples will be collected to determine water quality at each well location. Water drawn from the newly drilled well will be discharged to a nearby location(s) available at each site. These activities are expected to take up to 6 weeks.
  • Final Well Design: Based on the subsurface information collected and water quality results, the final well design will be completed to provide the contractor the information required to install the steel well casing that will optimize water quality and well water production. These activities are expected to take up to 4 weeks.
  • Steel Casing Installation: A steel casing will be installed in the newly drilled well. Once installed, the well will be developed which includes well water pumping and water discharge. Once complete, the sound walls can be removed. This process takes up to 8 weeks to complete.
  • Lighting equipment will be used to maintain a safe work zone during night time hours. The light will be directed away from residences to the extent possible.
  • When the well is being drilled and the drill rig is operating, the drilling activity is a continuous 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, day and night activity. It is anticipated that the continuous drilling operation, complete as part of 2 phases, is expected to take a total of up to 8 weeks. Construction crews will remain on-site continuously during all drilling operations.
• Outfitting the Well: Due to the sequential process of well development, this activity will not immediately follow well drilling operations until the engineering design and equipment purchases can be completed. Once the design and purchasing are complete, construction crews will return to the well sites, to install any necessary piping or equipment to put the well into operation to deliver drinking water to Gilbert’s water distribution system. This process is anticipated to take up to 24 months.
• Securing the Well Site: To secure the well site, in accordance with Town of Gilbert and Department of Homeland Security requirements, an 8’ tall block wall will be constructed around the site with appropriate access for Gilbert staff, to conduct future maintenance and operations. This activity is expecting to be completed during the Outfitting of the Well described above. 

Additional information on the location and status of each well location is available below by clicking on the well site number.

Questions? Contact us by email or call our project hotline at 480-898-4090.