How hard is the water in Gilbert?

Gilbert water averages 8-10 GPG (137-171 PPM), classified as "Moderately Hard" to "Hard." This is notably softer than most Phoenix metro cities. However, the Town recommends setting softeners to 10-12 GPG to account for seasonal variation.

Why is Gilbert water softer than Phoenix?

Gilbert's lower average hardness is likely due to its specific blend of CAP water and groundwater sources. While still in the hard range, Gilbert residents experience less scale buildup than those in neighboring cities like Chandler or Mesa.

Where does Gilbert get its water?

Gilbert receives water from the Central Arizona Project (Colorado River) and local groundwater wells. The Town co-owns the Santan Vista treatment plant with Chandler and manages its own distribution system.

Is Gilbert water safe to drink?

Yes, Gilbert water is safe to drink. The Town has been notably transparent about water quality, including proactive disclosure of PFAS detection in some wells (Wells 7 and 25) during federal testing, with steps taken to isolate affected sources.

Do I need a water softener in Gilbert?

With hardness around 8-10 GPG, Gilbert residents may not need as aggressive treatment as other Phoenix metro areas. A water softener is still beneficial for preventing scale, but some households may find the water manageable without one—especially compared to 15+ GPG cities.

Water Hardness in Gilbert, AZ - 9 GPG (154 PPM)

What This Means For You

Gilbert has some of the softest water in the Phoenix metro area, averaging 9 GPG compared to 15-20 GPG in Phoenix or Scottsdale. While still in the "hard" range, Gilbert residents experience fewer scale problems than their neighbors.

Gilbert reports slightly lower average hardness than its Phoenix metro neighbors. Despite the lower reported average, the Town officially advises residents to set water softeners to 10-12 GPG as a buffer for variability in CAP water and intermittent well usage. Gilbert has been notably transparent about PFAS detection in some wells.

As one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities, Gilbert has invested in water infrastructure to serve its expanding population while maintaining relatively consistent water quality.

Water Hardness in Gilbert, Arizona

What This Means For You

Hardness Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Source