Arizona public power utility Salt River Project on July 30 celebrated the completion of the Gilbert Road Pipeline project -- a major infrastructure investment designed to enhance water reliability and operational flexibility throughout the Valley.
The new system will enable SRP to move water from south of the Salt River to the Arizona Canal, strengthening its ability to deliver water where it is needed most and helping ensure a resilient water supply.
“The Gilbert Road Pipeline project builds upon SRP’s legacy of innovative water management and engineering excellence,” said SRP President Chris Dobson. “More than a decade in the making and completed after five years of construction, this transformative project reflects the long-term vision, strategic investment and collaboration required to meet central Arizona's future water needs.”
The project involved the unique engineering challenge of installing 3.5 miles of 36-inch pipeline to transport approximately 20,000 gallons of water a minute uphill from SRP wells and an underground storage facility to the Arizona Canal. The pipeline crosses the Salt River channel and is suspended beneath Maricopa County Department of Transportation’s newly constructed Gilbert Road Bridge.
“Like the Gilbert Road Bridge, which opened to traffic in early 2025, the Gilbert Road Pipeline Project is a shining example of local agencies working together. MCDOT is proud to have been a partner in the successful completion of this critical infrastructure to benefit the residents of Maricopa County and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community,” said Jesse Gutierrez, MCDOT Director and County Engineer.
Another section of the pipeline was installed using trenchless bore technology beneath the Beeline Highway before the system reaches its final delivery point.
Five new high-capacity water production wells will be installed near the Granite Reef Underground Storage Project (GRUSP), one of the largest water-banking facilities in Arizona. SRP operates GRUSP in partnership with the cities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe. GRUSP allows water to be stored underground and recovered when it is needed most, providing an important drought-resiliency benefit.
Together, the wells and pipeline will provide SRP with additional flexibility to manage water supplies and respond to changing water demands across the region.
“Water has always been essential to the O’odham and Piipaash people and thoughtful stewardship remains one of our greatest responsibilities. Projects like the Gilbert Road Pipeline demonstrate what is possible when strong partnerships are built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to planning for future generations. We are proud to work alongside SRP and our regional partners to help strengthen long-term water reliability for our Community and the Valley,” said Martin Harvier, President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation, SRP said.
"Their collaboration, leadership and shared commitment to regional water resilience played a vital role in bringing this complex infrastructure project to completion," the utility said.
