What is the Reclamation Manual?

The Reclamation Manual (RM) consists of a series of Policies, Directives and Standards, and Delegations of Authority. Collectively, these releases assign program responsibility and establish and document Bureau of Reclamation-wide methods of doing business. All requirements in the RM are mandatory. 

RM releases fall into two series: Program and Administrative. Those in the Program series primarily direct and define Reclamation's processes for the operation, maintenance, and use of its projects and facilities. Those in the Administrative series primarily direct and define Reclamation's internal processes and procedures. Each series is divided into subject areas identified by a three-letter alpha code. 

For more information on the Reclamation Manual, see RCD P03 and RCD 03-01.

Reclamation Manual Manager: Dave Isleman
Contact: reclamationmanual@usbr.gov

Search the Reclamation Manual (RM):

 

RM Components

View the releases within each RM component by clicking on the appropriate link below.

Policies

Reflect the Commissioner's leadership philosophy and principles and defines the general framework in which Reclamation pursues its mission.

Directives and Standards

Provide the level of detail necessary to ensure consistent application of Policy Reclamation-wide.

Delegations of Authority

This release delegates authority from the Commissioner to other positions within Reclamation. In addition, this release establishes limitations on authority delegated from the Commissioner and a process and requirements for further delegating authority.

Temporary Reclamation Manual Releases (TRMRs)

Issued to accelerate the release of Policy and Directives and Standards or make temporary changes in requirements.

 

RM Release Reports

Report of Active RM Releases by Date.

This is a report of all active releases sorted by approval date. It can also be searched by subject.

RM Release Development Plans.

This is a report of RM releases that currently have planned actions (new releases, revisions, deletions, etc.)

 

RM Release Development Efforts

Sign up to be notified of future RM release development efforts.

Use the links below to provide comments on draft RM releases. Reclamation employees will continue to submit consolidated comments through their organizational directorate.

Each draft release will provide an e-mail address for stakeholders to submit comments. Reclamation will review and consider the comments received during the revision process of each Policy and Directive and Standard.

Draft RM releases available for public review

  • The following have been combined into one review period, the draft of which can be found here. (comments due 02/08/26)
    • Recision of PEC 05-08 Contract Compliance Reviews
    • Revision of PEC P05 Water Related Contracts and Charges - General Principals and Requirements
    • Revision of PEC 06-01 Preparing Bases of Negotiation for New and Amendatory Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contracts 

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Last Updated: 1/8/26