WaterSMART

WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow)

The American West faces serious water challenges. Wide-spread drought, increased populations, aging infrastructure, and environmental requirements all strain existing water and hydropower resources. Adequate and safe water supplies are fundamental to the health, economy, and security of the country. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation will continue to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply through investments to modernize existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.

Announcements

• Reclamation provides $2.1 million for collaborative watershed projects in seven western states

  The Bureau of Reclamation will provide $2.1 million for 11 collaborative watershed management projects through the WaterSMART program. These projects have been developed by groups of stakeholders working together to address critical water supply needs and water quality concerns. They help water users meet competing demands and avoid conflicts over water. Read More →

  Project Descriptions

• Reclamation Publishes Two Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act Funding Opportunities

  The Bureau of Reclamation has published two funding opportunities open to projects eligible under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Applications under both funding opportunities are due on April 23, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. MDT.

  Title XVI WIIN Projects - This funding opportunity is open to Title XVI water reclamation and reuse project sponsors eligible to compete for funding under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act. This funding opportunity is available on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number R21AS00429. View funding opportunity on grants.gov →

  Desalination - The other is open to sponsors of seawater or brackish desalination projects eligible to compete for funding under section 4009(a) of the WIIN Act. This funding opportunity is available on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number R21AS00428. View funding opportunity on grants.gov →

• Projects throughout the Western United States receive $42.4 million in grants from Reclamation to conserve and use water more efficiently

  The Bureau of Reclamation is awarding $42.4 million in grants to 55 projects throughout 13 states. These projects will improve the water reliability for these communities by using water more efficiently and power efficiency improvements that water supply reliability and generate more hydropower. The projects are anticipated to conserve more than 98,000 acre-feet of water per year. Read More →

  Project Descriptions

• Applied Science Grants Funding Opportunity Available

  The Bureau of Reclamation has published a funding opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2021 WaterSMART Applied Science Grants, which supports for projects to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities. Applicants under this opportunity may request funding to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities to increase water supply reliability. Applicants may request up to $200,000 for projects to be completed within two years. A 50% non-federal cost share is required. Applications are due on April 21, 2021 at 4 p.m. MDT. Read the Funding Opportunity →

  The Bureau of Reclamation will host a webinar on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. MST to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Applied Science Grants funding opportunity. Join the live event or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event.

  If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, click here and select Applied Science to schedule time to talk with the program coordinators.