Building an Award-Winning, Cost-Saving Wastewater Partnership in a Booming Phoenix Suburb

Client Situation

The Town of Gilbert, AZ, located 20 miles southeast of central Phoenix, grew from a population of fewer than 2,000 in 1970 to 255,000 in 2017, making it one of the most populous and fastest growing incorporated municipalities in the nation.

As population growth exploded, so did the need to provide cost-effective and efficient operation at Gilbert’s Neely Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF). The challenge was how to keep up with demand while enhancing service levels and ensuring efficiencies of operational costs.

Inframark Solution

Inframark has successfully provided reliable, cost effective management, operations, and maintenance services for Gilbert’s Neely WRF for more than 30 years. The facility includes a tertiary treatment biological treatment process that uses 100% of its effluent to irrigate municipal parks, golf courses, neighborhood common areas, as well as recharge facility basins.

Inframark implemented a number of best operational practices including:

  • Reducing the Town’s reliance on outside contractors for system maintenance and upgrade
  • Conducting periodic energy audits and operational reviews at no additional cost
  • Initiating a competitive bidding process to reduce costs for chemicals and other materials
  • Installation of a best-in-class Data Management System for all plant operational data
  • Strong process control and chemical optimization

Real Results

The high standards maintained by the plant, dedication to safety and staff, and new innovative initiatives have attracted ongoing recognition for the Neely WRF year after year. Impact and accolades include:

  • Ongoing and sustained efficiencies and cost savings
  • Recognized as “Large Wastewater Plant of the Year” by AZ Water Association
  • Won countless safety awards
  • Excellent compliance with all regulatory standards
  • Over 3,500 days without a lost time injury
Inframark’s dedication to quality service and focus on innovative techniques continue to benefit the Gilbert community, allowing us to offer best-in-class services at an affordable rate.
Patrick Banger
Gilbert Town Manager