The town, located about 22 miles southeast of Phoenix, said the higher rates are needed to pay for infrastructure and prepare for uncertainty surrounding water supplies from the Colorado River. Some residents have questioned the impact of the increases on their finances and their future in the area.
For many Gilbert households, the latest increase means around $22 more per month, or about $264 over a year, according to a city news release. Some residents saw larger changes, including Robert Salemi, whose monthly water bill increased from $85 to $159 during that period.
The higher costs have led some residents to consider leaving Gilbert, while others have raised concerns about whether rising utility bills could affect people looking to move to the town.
Residents Criticize the Size and Timing of Gilbert’s Water Increases
The latest 25% rate increase came after another 25% increase in 2025, creating frustration among some residents who said the changes were difficult to manage.
“I think the problem was that it was a really big bite all at the same time,” Robert Salemi told KSAZ. “If it were done incrementally, they could have made people understand.”
According to Gilbert officials, the rate increases are needed so the town can afford critical infrastructure and prepare for uncertainty over supplies from the Colorado River.
Salemi said he had met several residents who were frustrated with the higher bills and had considered leaving the area because of the increased costs. Residents also said they expect Gilbert officials to keep their promises of lowering water bills over time.
Water Costs Become a Concern for Some Homebuyers
The increase has also raised questions among residents about the possible effect of higher utility bills on housing decisions. Real estate agent Greg Klei said water costs could influence buyers who are already near the limit of their budgets.
For those “at the top of their budget already,” Klei told KSAZ that the water bill, even if it is only $20 or $30 more per month compared with Chandler or Mesa, “does add up over the course of the year.”
Klei said the housing market in Gilbert has not been affected so far. “The property values over the course of the last year have not gone down,” he said. “They’ve actually increased, at least the average price has.”
Pearland Residents Also Raise Concerns over Proposed Rate Increase
Similar concerns have emerged in Pearland, Texas, about 15 miles south of Houston, where a proposed utility rate increase of 12% for 2027 has raised affordability concerns among residents.
If approved, the increase would add around $13 per month to the bills of households using 6,000 gallons of water each month. Over one year, that would represent about $160 in additional costs.
According to KHOU, Pearland resident Josie Enriquez said the higher bills could have an impact on her family.
“Two-bathroom home, two kids, me and my husband. Showers in the morning, showers in the evening. School is coming around the corner. It’s going to really affect us,” she said.
Joe Montano, who has lived in Pearland for 50 years, also raised concerns about residents with limited incomes.
“If you’re supporting everything by yourself, you probably can’t even do it on Social Security,” he said.
Other communities have also faced disputes over water-related charges, including a US city where residents demanded that a $17 fee added to water bills be put to a vote. Some Americans are also facing an extra $700 in home bill costs this year.
