What is this place really? The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a water recycling facility for the Town of Gilbert. Gilbert treats its wastewater, and then pipes it into the basins here where it replenishes the underground water supply. The water can then be pumped out of the ground to support the water needs of the homes and businesses in Gilbert. This system, then, creates an opportunity for habitats for many kinds of wildlife and plant life that you might not see in other desert areas.
The Riparian Institute manages the Preserve, and also coordinates with people and groups who are studying wetlands, riparian or wildlife.
