- Reclamation
- WaterSMART
WaterSMART
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 avoid potential water conflicts.
Join the WaterSMART Mailing List
You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation.WaterSMART Project Selections Overview
Since January 2021, Reclamation has selected 883 projects to be funded with $438.1 million in WaterSMART funding, in conjunction with $3.5 billion in non-Federal funding, across the western states.
Documents
Announcements
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Bureau of Reclamation Invests over $91 Million in the Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems
The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $91 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the study, design, and construction of large-scale aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. Funding will support 19 projects across six states that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in the improvement of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat. Read More →
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BABA Waiver Posted for Public Comment: AMI Water Meters
The Bureau of Reclamation has developed a proposed Build America Buy America (BABA) non-availability waiver for AMI water meters. The waiver as proposed would provide coverage for purchases of AMI water meters for three years, using a phased approach. The waiver is available for review here.
This proposed waiver is posted for public comment for 30 days, through September 29, 2024. Comments can be sent to DOI_Grants_BuyAmerica_Waiver@ios.doi.gov. If you anticipate seeking Federal funding for an AMI water meter project, please review the proposed waiver and share with your stakeholder groups for a strong response. All comments are encouraged, however, comments are specifically sought on the following topics:• The waiver is formatted in phases, with the first two years waiving BABA requirements for AMI water meters entirely. During the third year of the waiver, the water meter body is no longer covered by the waiver. This is based on market research to date identifying several manufacturers with meter bodies that are domestically manufactured. Is it reasonable to expect that all AMI water meter manufacturers utilize domestically produced water meter bodies within two years?
• This waiver is proposed to cover purchases for a total of three years, using the phased approach described above. Covering purchases made during the waiver period sets clear expectations for manufacturers to work towards domestic production. Do grant recipients have any concerns with this approach?
• Please review the section of the waiver titled “Description of Covered Items” to assess our interpretation of the components of the AMI water meter.
• Feedback is requested on how manufacturers plan to apply the component cost test to their water meters to meet BABA’s 55% domestic content requirement for manufactured products.
• Comments identifying difficulties affecting the feasibility of domestically sourcing specific water meter components in an adequate supply to meet demand are extremely helpful.
• Comments are requested on the current and future capacity of manufacturers to domestically assemble AMI water meters. Of special interest is whether manufacturers with assembly capabilities can provide estimates and certainty for the potential quantities and product characteristics (such as communications methods, compatibility, and/or leak detection) sought by USBR and EPA funded projects. If information gathered through public comment indicates a sufficient supply of meters that can meet domestic assembly requirements but not 55% content requirements, final waiver may be modified to require final assembly of meters in the U.S. and waive only the domestic content requirements.
• To support the waiver’s basic assumptions, comments are also requested on the substitutability and compatibility of meter bodies and different meter systems.
This proposed waiver was drafted in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will apply to projects funded by both BOR and EPA. As a reminder, other currently active BABA waivers could provide simultaneous coverage. The WaterSMART waiver continues to provide limited coverage to projects funded under the 15.504, 15.507, and 15.514 assistance listing numbers through February 14, 2025 or February 14, 2026. The Small Grants waiver and the de minimis waiver provide coverage through February 20, 2028.
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Water and Energy Efficiency Grants Funding Opportunity and Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Webinar
The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on August 29, 2024 to discuss the FY24 Water and Energy Efficiency funding opportunity and the FY24/25 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects funding opportunity. Click here to watch a recording of the live event.
On November 14, 2023, The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG). This funding opportunity provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States. The first round of selections were announced August 5, 2024. The second and last round of applications are due November 13, 2024.
On November 2, 2023, The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP). This funding opportunity provides funding for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. The first round of selections were announced May 23, 2024, and the second round of selections were due July 9, 2024. The third round of applications are due January 14, 2025.
If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and select the applicable funding opportunity to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinator.
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Biden-Harris Administration Delivers $105 Million from Investing in America Agenda for Water Conservation and Efficiency ProjectsThe Department of the Interior today announced a nearly $105 million investment as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda for 67 water conservation and efficiency projects that will enhance drought resilience across the nation. The investment comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations. Read More →
Drought Resiliency Funding Opportunity Webinar
The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on August 15, 2024 to discuss the FY25 Drought Resiliency Projects funding opportunity. Click here to watch a recording of the live event.
On July 24, 224, 2024, The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Drought Response Program’s Drought Resiliency Projects (DRP). This funding opportunity supports the implementation of drought mitigation projects that will build long-term resilience to drought. Through this funding opportunity, Reclamation provides financial assistance for projects that, when implemented, will increase water supply reliability and improve water management. Reclamation can provide up to $3,000,000 in Federal funds for projects that can be completed within 3 years.
If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and select the applicable funding opportunity to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinator.
Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Program and WaterSMART Programs Webinar
The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar for partners in the territories to provide information on opportunities available to the U.S. Territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The webinar addressed the IRA Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Program and the WaterSMART Programs.President Biden’s Investing in America agenda delivers $8.9 million for cooperative watershed management
The Bureau of Reclamation today announced an $8.9 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect watershed health and build more resilient water supplies across the West. Funding will support 6 new cooperative projects and 12 existing cooperative projects in 12 states, bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop solutions that meet local water management needs. Read More →
Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I Funding Opportunity Webinar
The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on July 2, 2024 to discuss the Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I funding opportunity. Click here to watch a recording of the live event. This recording is available until January 1, 2025.
On August 7, 2023, the Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for Phase I of the WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program. The funding opportunity provides funding for collaborative, grassroots watershed groups to complete group development activities, watershed restoration planning, and watershed management project design. Reclamation will provide up to $300,000 in Federal funds to an applicant over a three-year period, with no more than $100,000 to be available per year.
If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and select the applicable funding opportunity to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinator.
President’s Investing in America Agenda Delivers More Than $142 Million to Bolster Resilience to Drought and Boost Water Supplies
Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis today announced a $142 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to advance drought resilience and boost water supplies across the country, as part of the Investing in America agenda. The selected projects are expected to provide about 40,000 acre-feet of annual recycled water, enough to support more than 160,000 people a year. Read More →
Biden-Harris Administration Delivers $179 Million from Investing in America Agenda for Innovative Water Reuse and Drought Resilience Projects
The Department of the Interior today announced a $179 million investment through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for innovative water reuse projects that strengthen drought resilience across the West, increasing water security and resilience across western communities. Today’s funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support four projects in California and Utah to help communities create new sources of water to support water reliability. Read More → Reclamation announces $3.7M in WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency grants for 41 projects
The Bureau of Reclamation announced 41 projects selected to receive $3.7 million to improve water efficiency in the Western United States. Projects receiving funding through the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects include the installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. Read More → Last Updated: 10/15/24Biden-Harris Administration Delivers $147 Million from Investing in America Agenda for Drought Resiliency and Water Supply Reliability Across the West
The Department of the Interior today announced a $147.6 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help communities prepare and respond to water reliability challenges due to drought and other water scarcity concerns. The funding will support 42 projects in ten states. Read More → Webinar for WaterSMART Build America, Buy America Waiver
On Tuesday, May 14th, Reclamation hosted a webinar to discuss the WaterSMART Build America, Buy America Waiver.
Reclamation's WaterSMART program received final approval for a waiver for the Build America, Buy America requirements on February 15, 2024. This waiver allows for conditional and time-limited purchase of non-domestic products used in water infrastructure projects funded under WaterSMART programs. The webinar included the coverage this waiver offers, how it applies to your project, and long term plans for sourcing products domestically.
Watch the recorded webinar here.
Presenters:
Katie Neupane, Chief Grant Officer, Bureau of Reclamation
Ned Weakland, Grant Officer, Bureau of ReclamationAdditional Resources:
BABA Waiver WaterSMART Slideshow
BABA Waiver Decision Map
Interpretation of the BABA Waiver for WaterSMARTPlease reach out to sha-DRO-FAOperations@usbr.gov to report any issues.
Biden-Harris administration provides more than $11 million for water sustainability and efficiency as part of Investing in America agenda
The Bureau of Reclamation today announced an $11.1 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support collaborative planning and design projects that improve water sustainability and efficiency. The 34 grants through Reclamation’s WaterSMART program will support projects in 11 states and Guam. Funding for these grants is provided through President’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Read More →
Open Funding Opportunities
FY24 Water and Energy Efficiency Grants funding opportunity. Applications are due November 13, 2024.
FY24/25 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects funding opportunity. Applications are due January 14, 2025.
FY24 Environmental Water Resources Projects funding opportunity. Applications are due March 11, 2025.
Funding Opportunity Calendar
Click here to view a detailed status of all current and upcoming WaterSMART funding opportunities.
All grant applications are submitted through Grants.gov. For more information on how to submit a grant application, visit Application Resources.
WaterSMART Dashboard
WaterSMART Data Visualization
Weather- and Soil Moisture-Based Landscape Irrigation Scheduling Devices
Weather- and Soil Moisture-Based Landscape Irrigation Scheduling - Review Report
Weather-Based Devices - Summary
Soil Moisture-Based Devices - SummaryMore Information about the Bureau of Reclamation
