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The More Data the Better – Exploring Non-H&H Data

29 April 2026

The More Data the Better

As Phase II of the Gilbert-Chandler Area Drainage Master Study/Plan (ADMS/P) Update continues, our team is collecting more information about the area.

In past updates, we’ve talked about the data used to build our Hydrology and Hydraulic (H&H) model. This model helps show where flooding happens today. You can read our February 2025 blog to learn more about that work.

Today, we’re focusing on another important type of information: Non-H&H data.

What is Non-H&H data?

Non-H&H data includes things like land use plans, parks, transportation, water use, and climate trends.

We are bringing this information together into one place. This helps us understand how the area is planned today and how it may grow in the future.

What does this look like in the study area?

Parks and flood control

Some parks do more than provide space to play. For example, Freestone Park in Gilbert and Arrowhead Meadows Park in Chandler can also collect and hold stormwater during heavy rain. Many neighborhood parks and fields do the same thing. These spaces help reduce flooding and can even help refill groundwater.

Concrete scuppers, like this one at a park near Queen Creek and Gilbert roads, drain local street flows into a basin for stormwater storage.
Image shows a concrete scupper at a park near Queen Creek and Gilbert roads.
This storm drain system at Pima Park drains neighborhood stormwater - one of several inflow points that direct stormwater into the retention basin.
Image shows a storm drain system at Pima Park in Chandler, AZ

Groundwater recharge in Chandler

When stormwater soaks into the ground, it helps refill underground water supplies. In Chandler, thousands of drywells and large retention basins make this possible. Each year, this system helps store a large amount of water underground.

Image shows a map of the Gilbert-Chandler area showing several flood control structures.

Chandler and Gilbert feature several flood control structures, including the Tempe and Western canals, Rittenhouse Channel and Queen Creek Wash. Canals and flood control basins play significant roles in resource conservation.

Protecting natural areas

Plans like the Maricopa County Natural Resource Master Plan focus on protecting and improving natural spaces. This includes actions like managing invasive species, supporting wildlife, and using rainwater to help the environment.

Image shows the locations of several drywells, passive open spaces and retention basins in the City of Chandler

The City of Chandler is home to several drywells, passive open spaces and retention basins. This map illustrates how prominent water management infrastructure is across Chandler neighborhoods.

Connecting land and water systems

We also look at how parks, open spaces, and waterways connect across the region. These connections support both people and wildlife and help guide future planning.

Other important parts of Non-H&H data include green infrastructure, low-impact development, and conserving resources. These approaches support sustainable growth, improve access to parks, and help reduce heat.

Map shows a larger area surrounding the study area with an interconnected park system and several trails.

A primary goal of Chandler’s general plan outlines a vision for an interconnected park system that leverages trails, open spaces and greenways. The importance of preserving natural areas and integrating them with recreational spaces is a recurring theme.

  • This information will be used in Phase IV to help develop solutions that reduce flooding.

    By understanding community plans and goals, we can find opportunities and limits for future projects.

  • We also map this information across the study area. This helps show where different ideas and solutions may work best.

    By combining technical data with planning information, we can support better decisions about flooding, water use, and community resilience.

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