Science and Technology Program



About S&T Program

    The Science and Technology Program (S&T) is a Reclamation-wide competitive, merit-based applied research and development program. The program focuses on innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the Western United States for Reclamation water and facility managers and the stakeholders they serve. The program has contributed many of the tools and capabilities Reclamation and western water managers use today.

    Research authorization is conducted under the Reclamation Act of 1902 (PDF, 5.6 MB) and the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (PDF, 2.7 MB).


    Stories & Media
    • PROGRAM – FUNDING

      Reclamation invests $2.3 million in Science and Technology Development projects

      (September 28, 2023) The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $2.3 million investment in 25 new science and technology development projects and 118 continuing multiyear projects.

      The Science and Technology Program provides funding within Reclamation for projects and technology development utilizing internal expertise and experience to address Reclamation challenges associated with managing water and generating power in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner in the American West.

      “Reclamation has a long history of leadership and expertise on technical water management subjects," said Research and Development Program Manager, Ken Nowak. "These projects continue the legacy of Reclamation scientists and engineers bringing innovation to challenges faced by western water managers." Read More →


      Project Descriptions →
      Project Funding

      Reclamation invests $6.6 million for innovative water and power solutions

      (September 29, 2022) The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $6.6 million in internal research for the development of innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the West. This includes funding for 21 new research projects and 120 continuing, multi-year projects.

      "The projects selected will directly benefit water and power facility managers, customers, stakeholders and industry," said Senior Advisor for Research and Development Levi Brekke. "The Science and Technology Program contributed to many of the tools and capabilities that western water managers use today." Read More →

      Project Descriptions →


      RESEARCH MAGAZINE Innovation at Reclamation – Research & Development Office Overview Image of Knowledge Stream cover.

      Welcome to the Spring 2022 issue of the Knowledge Stream! In this issue, we provide an overview of Research and Development (R&D) Office and Programs. As the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) carries out its mission, a variety of scientific and technical challenges are encountered that benefit from innovation activities. The R&D Office invests in such innovation through the Desalination and Water Purification Research (DWPR) Program and the Science and Technology (S&T) Program, both of which help to advance Reclamation’s technical abilities to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner. Additionally, the R&D Office houses several other programs: the Reclamation Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Program, the recently authorized Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program, the S&T Prize Competition Program, and the Open Water Data Program. Read Issue →

    • Research Magazine

      Invasive Mussels: From Detection to Control

      Welcome to the Fall 2021 issue of the Knowledge Stream! In this issue we highlight Research and Development (R&D) Office efforts to address the challenges posed by invasive zebra and quagga mussels on Western U.S. water management.

      Identifying better ways to detect mussel settlement, predict spread, combat impacts on facilities, and control populations in lakes and reservoirs is a key component of Reclamation’s efforts to control and mitigate mussels impacts on Reclamation’s water infrastructure and in managed waterways. Read Issue →

    • Project Funding

      FY 2021 Science and Technology Research Projects

      Reclamation is providing an additional $1.5 million in funding for 23 new research projects that will assist Reclamation water and power facility managers, as well as its customers and stakeholders, better manage their facilities and operations. This in addition to the $6.2 million provided in October, $2.2 million for new internal research projects, and $4 million for 134 multi-year projects that are continuing in fiscal year 2021. Learn More

    • Research Magazine

      Canal Health

      (June 2020) R&D is excited to share research progress on canal health in the latest issue of the Knowledge Stream magazine. This issue highlights better ways to identify and quantify canal seepage to prioritize canal improvements, enhance sustainability, and support water delivery reliability.

      Canal sustainability is a priority issue for Reclamation and the western U.S. water management community. Reclamation and partners have constructed over 8,000 miles of canal to service water deliveries. As canals age, water managers seek efficient and affordable ways to inspect frequently, identify seepage areas, and analyze areas of interest to inform response. Read Issue

    • Project Funding

      Reclamation allocates an additional $2.8 million to develop innovative solutions for water and power management issues

      (March 2, 2020) The Bureau of Reclamation is providing a total of $2.8 million in additional funds to 30 new research projects through its Science and Technology Program. This additional funding builds on the previously announced award of a total of $8.9 million for 27 new and 114 continuing projects. “We are pleased with the variety of research projects submitted in this competition,” said Levi Brekke, Research and Development Program Manager. “These projects will lead to innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the Western United States.” Read More

    • Project of the Year

      Reclamation's Science and Technology project of the year control's invasive mussel biofouling in hydropower cooling systems using hydro-optic UV light

      (April 17, 2019) The Bureau of Reclamation's Science and Technology Program focuses on providing innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the western United States. One research project stood out in 2018 and was recently selected as the Project of the Year. The award was presented to Sherri Pucherelli for the project entitled, "Control of biofouling in hydropower cooling systems using hydro-optic ultraviolet light." The award was selected for its positive impact to Reclamation, other federal and non-federal partners, its efforts to address the current Department of the Interior priorities, the involvement of partners, and its level of innovation. Read More


Last Updated: 6/22/20