Gilbert may activate Stage 2 of its Water Supply Reduction Management Plan on Jan. 1, 2027, in anticipation of an approximately 20% reduction in its Colorado River supply under the federal government’s proposed post-2026 operating framework. Stage 2 would ask residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce consumption through leak repairs, more efficient irrigation, desert-adapted landscaping and staying within water budgets, while strengthening enforcement against water waste, including possible citations for repeated violations. Gilbert could also remove non-recreational turf, reduce operation of decorative water features and recover long-term underground water-storage credits to offset reduced Colorado River deliveries. The Town has stored nearly 560,000 acre-feet underground since 1989 and saved 459 million gallons through conservation programs in 2025, while overall water use has remained essentially flat since 2017 despite a 21% population increase and fell another 5% from 2024 to 2025. Gilbert therefore does not expect shortages at residents' taps even with the proposed river reductions, although maintaining and developing water supplies will become increasingly expensive. New treatment, recharge, recycled-water, desalination and storage projects could cost billions of dollars, putting continued upward pressure on water rates. Staff will complete 2027 supply-and-demand projections, conduct community and business outreach and potentially bring Stage 2 to the Town Council for a vote in November or December, with implementation currently targeted for January 2027.
https://www.gilbertsunnews.com/news/more-water-woes-may-await-gilbert-in-2027/article_af6b3182-8fa7-4daf-a633-6fe205938a19.html
