A pair of Gilbert, Arizona, officials say someone may have found a particularly infuriating and on-the-nose way to retaliate over a public vote.
As 12News Arizona (@12newsaz) reported in a video, the culprits appeared to turn their home irrigation systems into water-wasting, money-draining machines.
Here's what to know
Gilbert Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni and Gilbert Town Council Member Jim Torgerson told the station that the issue appears to have begun when someone accessed the irrigation control boxes outside their homes and changed the settings so the water would keep running for hours.
@12newsaz Two Gilbert councilmembers told 12News someone tampered with their irrigation systems, which led to water over usage and expensive bills.
♬ original sound - 12newsaz
They said they only realized something was wrong after bills exceeding $1,000 arrived. Not everyone was buying that explanation.
"So neither of them noticed excessive water on their property...sounds fishy," a TikTok user reacted.
The two officials told 12News Arizona it happened after Gilbert approved another increase in water rates, marking the third consecutive year of higher charges, even though neither Bongiovanni nor Torgerson voted for it.
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The allegation is drawing attention because it hits two sore points at once. Those would be rising utility costs and needless water use in a desert community where every gallon matters.
"And the yard STILL looks like THAT?!?!?!" another user wrote, highlighting the futility of watering in the desert conditions.
More background
When irrigation runs unchecked, the damage is not just financial. It can also mean large amounts of treated water being dumped onto yards for no useful reason in a place where water planning is a constant concern.
One commenter wrote that the two officials' plight was hardly the only case of excessive billing.
"But don't worry guys, when most of Gilbert has received astronomical water bills they were told 'you must have a leak,'" they quipped.
What can be done?
Irrigation systems deserve regular checks, especially after unexplained jumps in water use. Reviewing timer settings, inspecting irrigation boxes, and comparing monthly bills for sudden spikes can help catch a problem before it turns into a four-figure charge.
If a system appears altered or damaged, documenting the settings, taking photos, and contacting both the water provider and local authorities can help create a paper trail.
Reporting it quickly may also improve the odds of determining whether the cause was vandalism, malfunction, or a leak.
The officials' complaints didn't elicit much sympathy from TikTok commenters, but it's worth noting that they weren't in favor of the rate increase. Tampering with others' property can backfire by turning away public servants willing to fight for these sorts of causes.
"The more you do, the less good people want to serve," Torgerson told 12News Arizona. "There shouldn't be a fear when you're trying to make an informed decision of, 'Oh, is my house gonna get vandalized?'"
Where can I learn more?
These articles add context to what happened in Gilbert and the overall local water situation. They cover everything from irrigation rules that can leave homeowners paying more to other Arizona fights over water waste and long-term supply.
• One homeowner said HOA rules forced residents to waste money on lawn irrigation during drought.
• In Phoenix, a resident flagged several local businesses wasting water despite desert conditions.
• Elsewhere in Arizona, officials warned federal water management plans could sharply squeeze supplies.
They also show why a story like this hits such a nerve. In Arizona, where every overwatered yard and every rate hike carries extra weight, water waste quickly becomes a question of cost, oversight, and accountability.
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