Town of Gilbert

Gilbert is proud to present our 2017 annual municipal water quality report. This comprehensive document outlines where your water originates, its composition, and how it compares to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standards under the Safe Water Act (SDWA). Beyond merely listing contaminant information, this report highlights Gilbert's ongoing commitment to water quality through innovative programs and infrastructure improvements.

Water Source Information: Gilbert's municipal water comes from multiple sources. Our two water treatment plants receive surface water through an extensive canal network managed by the Salt River Project (SRP) and Central Arizona Project (CAP). SRP oversees dams and reservoirs along the Salt and Verde River watersheds, while CAP operates a 336-mile canal system delivering Colorado River water from Lake Havasu.

Our Treatment Facilities:

• North Water Treatment Plant (NWTP): Located in northern Gilbert along the eastern canal, this facility processes SRP water through conventional treatment methods including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration with ozonation and chlorine disinfection. Daily capacity reaches 45 million gallons with 16 million gallons of onsite storage.
• Santan Vista Water Treatment Plant: Named for its stunning mountain views, this facility processes Colorado River water from the CAP system. Built in partnership with Chandler, Gilbert utilizes 24 MGD of the plant's 48 MGD capacity. Treatment includes ballasted flocculation and filtration with ozone and sodium hypochlorite disinfection.

Groundwater Usage: Gilbert maintains 18 wells throughout the community that supplement surface water during peak demand periods and scheduled maintenance. Some well sites utilize ion exchange or adsorptive media technology to reduce naturally occurring contaminants below EPA maximum levels.

Distribution Network: Our water reaches customers through more than 1,300 miles of underground pipes ranging from 4 to 48 inches in diameter. The system maintains positive pressure (typically 50-80 psi) to ensure treated water reaches all service areas. Gilbert's distribution team actively manages this critical infrastructure, including an ongoing Heritage District improvement project replacing aging fire hydrants and water mains.

Quality Assurance: Gilbert's Water Quality team conducts rigorous testing to ensure compliance with all regulations:

• 95 online instruments continuously monitor water quality parameters
• Treatment plants operate 24/7/365 for reliability
• State-certified compliance laboratory conducts extensive testing
• Monthly collection of 150 bacteriological samples from designated sampling stations
• Additional voluntary monitoring beyond regulatory requirements

Understanding Contaminants: All water, including bottled water, may contain trace amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. As water travels over land or underground, it can dissolve naturally occurring minerals and potentially pick up substances from human or animal activity. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

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