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Gilbert outlines water cost pressures, North Water Treatment Plant milestones and planned rate steps
Summary
Water manager Rebecca Hamill told council that CAP costs and treatment needs have driven higher operating costs, deferred pipeline projects total about $151 million, and a multi‑year rate plan (50%/25%/25%) remains under consideration with outreach to follow.
At an Aug. 26 study session, Rebecca Hamill, Gilbert’s water manager, briefed the Town Council on water revenue, consumption patterns and major water projects, and laid out the town’s planned rate process and public outreach.
Hamill said rising water‑resource costs, supply uncertainty on the Colorado River and higher treatment and energy costs have increased pressure on Gilbert’s Water Fund. Since 2020 the town has seen a roughly 73 percent increase in the per‑acre‑foot cost of CAP (Central Arizona Project) water, and staff cited about $600,000 of increased chemical and electrical costs this fiscal year.
Why it matters: Gilbert’s water utility is an enterprise fund required by town policy to be self‑supporting. The town faces both near‑term operating cost increases and long‑term capital needs — most notably reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant and a well program — and staff said continued rate increases are necessary to fund operations, capital projects and repair‑and‑replacement obligations.
Key financial and project details - Rate…
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