Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

Through the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities with water or power delivery authority 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.

Contacts

For additional information on WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, please contact Ms. Nickie McCann at 303-445-3733 or send an email to nmccann@usbr.gov.

You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation.

Announcements


    FY24/25 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Funding Opportunity Deadline Extended

    The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects For Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 NOFO closed on January 16, 2024. Due to a large number of incomplete applications, the closing date has been extended from 1/16/24 to 2/6/24 at 4:00 PM MST. Please note there is a discrepancy between the mandatory application components listed in the NOFO and those identified as mandatory in the Grants.gov package. The NOFO requires applicants to submit a completed Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C); and a signed Assurances Form (SF-424B or SF-424D), depending on whether the project is a construction or Nonconstruction project. The Grants.gov application package notation that these forms are “optional” should be disregarded.

    If you have already submitted an application, please review your Workspace on Grants.gov to verify all mandatory application components identified in the Application Checklist on page iii of the NOFO and in Section D.2.2 Application Content were submitted. These include:

    • A completed and signed SF-424
    • A completed Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C)
    • A signed Assurances Form (SF-424B or SF-424D)
    • A technical proposal (uploaded using the Project Narrative form)
    • A budget narrative (uploaded using the Budget Narrative form)

    The Grants.gov system does not allow users to amend their application packages after submission. If your application is missing any mandatory components, a new application package must be submitted by February 6, 2024, 4:00 p.m. MST in order for your project to be considered for funding. As identified in Section E.2.1. First Level and Threshold Screening, applications are reviewed to ensure the application is complete and submitted on time. An application that fails to include the mandatory application components is marked incomplete and will not proceed to a merit review. After February 6, 2024, the NOFO and the Grants.gov application package will be amended to reflect mandatory forms and the second application period will close on July 9, 2024.

  • Webinar for WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Funding Opportunity

    On Thursday, November 9, 2023, Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program hosted a webinar to discuss the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects funding opportunity currently open on grants.gov. The webinar included information regarding eligibility, program requirements, and the selection process.

    Click here to watch a recording of the live event.

  • Biden-Harris Administration invests $7 million in 82 projects to improve water efficiency

    The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $7 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 82 small-scale water efficiency projects across the West. These grants will support local community projects, including measuring water flow, automating water delivery, or lining canals. Today’s funding is part of $1 billion provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the innovative WaterSMART program, which supports 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.

    Project Descriptions

Current Status

The FY24/25 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Program funding opportunity was posted November 2, 2023. The first round of applications for FY24 funding were due February 2, 2024, and they are currently under review. The second round of applications are due July 9, 2024.

Questions?

Have a question regarding the funding opportunity or project eligibility questions? Request a meeting through our bookings site.


News Releases

January 5, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration invests $7 million in 82 projects to improve water efficiency

August 31, 2021
Reclamation awards $5.5 million to 82 water improvement projects in 16 western states

June 22, 2020
Reclamation provides $3.3 million to 52 WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

September 5, 2019
Reclamation selects 63 projects to receive $4.1 million to improve water efficiency and reliability

Last Updated: 2/28/24