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 2010, Reclamation has selected 2,379 projects to be funded with $3.86 billion in WaterSMART funding, in conjunction with $9.2 billion in non-Federal funding, across the western states.

Documents

• WaterSMART Fact Sheet
• Spring 2025 Tributary Newsletter
• Summer 2025 Tributary Newsletter
• Fall 2025 Tributary Newsletter new!

Announcements

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WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Webinar

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 MT, the Bureau of Reclamation will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Notice of Funding Opportunity. Use this link to join the webinar.

• Reclamation awards $3.7 in WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Grants

  The Bureau of Reclamation has selected 36 projects in 13 western states to receive a total of $3.7 million for small-scale water efficiency projects. The grants will help the water entities use water more efficiently and improve water supply reliability in the western United States.

  Project Descriptions

• Reclamation invests almost $200M in water reuse in the Colorado River Basin

  The Bureau of Reclamation is investing approximately $200 million in water reuse projects in Arizona and Utah as part of a continued commitment to developing long-term sustainability in the Colorado River Basin. An agreement being finalized with the City of Phoenix includes a $179 million investment in the city’s water purification infrastructure. This funding will be allocated to the design and construction of the city’s North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility. Read More →

• 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

• Upcoming Changes to the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP)

  Effective Monday, May 19, 2025, the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service will be making changes to the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) requiring Recipient Organizations to include a justification for each payment. This field is mandatory and will be required in the first step of the payment request process. View the presentation to learn more about this new feature.