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Why Are Gilbert Arizona Water Bills Going Up So Much? 💧

By Jermaine Miller – Realtor | Gilbert, AZ
Posted on AZFruitfulHomes.com

Many Gilbert residents are shocked by recent water bills—some reporting massive jumps they weren’t prepared for. If you’re wondering why water costs are rising so sharply, here’s what’s happening and what it means for homeowners and investors in the Southeast Valley.

💸 Multi-Phase Water Rate Hikes

Gilbert approved a multi-phase water rate increase to address infrastructure needs.

  • In 2024, rates rose by about 50%.

  • In April 2025, they went up another ~25%.

  • A third increase of roughly 25% is already approved for future years.

These jumps are part of a long-term plan to fund aging water, sewer, and reclaimed water systems, as well as to keep up with rising operational costs.

😲 Sticker Shock Hits Gilbert Residents

Some households have seen bills rise far beyond expected usage levels. Several have taken to local news outlets and social media to share cases of bills doubling or even tripling in recent months.

According to the Town of Gilbert, the rate increases were necessary, but many homeowners feel blindsided—especially as the new billing system rolled out around the same time (more on that in a future blog).

🚰 Sewer and Reclaimed Water Fees Added

In addition to basic water usage, Gilbert has increased fees related to sewer and reclaimed water infrastructure. Since April 2025, customers are paying an additional $29.26 per month to support these upgrades.

It’s important to review your bill carefully—these added charges can push monthly utility costs significantly higher, especially for larger households or properties with landscaping irrigation.

🏡 What This Means for Homeowners and Investors

For buyers, higher utility costs could impact affordability calculations—especially when combined with current mortgage rates.
For sellers, it’s smart to disclose these changes early, so buyers aren't surprised.
For investors, factor rising utilities into your cash flow analysis—this could impact ROI, especially on multi-family or rental properties.

📍 Localized Impact in the Southeast Valley

These rate changes affect all Gilbert water customers—including those in subdivisions along Val Vista, Higley, and Power Roads, as well as new builds in South Gilbert and nearby parts of Queen Creek. The effects ripple into neighboring towns too, as utility costs influence pricing across the region.

📞 Stay Informed and Protected

Make sure you’re signed up with Gilbert’s new utility billing portal, and check your autopay settings to avoid missed payments. Keep a close eye on usage patterns and flag any billing inconsistencies with the town.

📢 Call or text Jermaine Miller at 480-800-HOME.

Realtor serving Phoenix and the Southeast Valley.