WaterSMART

Drought Response Program

The Bureau of Reclamation's Drought Response Program supports a proactive approach to drought. It provides assistance to water users for a range of initiatives that build long-term resiliency including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions.

In addition to the Drought Response Program funding opportunity, Reclamation undertakes crises-driven emergency response actions to unanticipated circumstances. Eligible emergency response actions are limited to short-term, temporary construction activities and other actions authorized under Title I of the Drought Act that do not involve construction of permanent facilities to convey and store water. For more information of Emergency Response Action funding, reach out to your local Reclamation office or the program coordinator.

Documents

• Drought Response Program Fact Sheet
• Drought Response Program Framework
• Drought Resiliency Projects vs. Small Storage Program

Contacts

For additional information on the Drought Response Program, please contact Ms. Shelbie Neff at sneff@usbr.gov.

 If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and submit an inquiry request for the appropriate program.

You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation.

Announcements

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• WaterSMART Drought Response Program Webinar

  On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Drought Response Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. Click here to watch the recording.

  Download Slideshow

• Reclamation Publishes New Funding Opportunity: WaterSMART Drought Response Program

  On March 5, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation published a new funding opportunity to assist communities in preparing for and responding to drought, including drought contingency planning and construction of drought resilience projects.

• Reclamation invests over $33M in drought resiliency projects in the West

  The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing $33.5 million for 14 projects to improve drought resiliency through water treatment, new or improved infrastructure, and implementation of new water management tools and technology. The projects are located in California, Nebraska, Utah and Washington. Read More →

  Project Descriptions