WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants

Through WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (formerly Challenge Grants) Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities with water or power delivery authority. Projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States. Projects are selected through a competitive process and the focus is on projects that can be completed within two or three years.

Announcements

Current Status

The FY 2019 Water and Energy Efficiency Grant funding opportunity closed on March 19, 2019. Applications are currently being reviewed.

Proposed Calendar

January 2019

March 2019

  • March 19 – Funding Opportunity Closed

June 2019

  • Projects expected to be announced

News Releases

January 31, 2019
Bureau of Reclamation releases funding opportunity for $24 million in water and energy efficiency grants

November 20, 2018
Bureau of Reclamation seeks comments on WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant funding opportunity evaluation criteria

October 02, 2018
Bureau of Reclamation selects 54 projects to receive $26.5 million to improve water efficiency in the West

March 19, 2018
Bureau of Reclamation announces fiscal year 2018 WaterSMART Program funding opportunities for water and energy efficiency, small-scale water efficiency, and water marketing strategy projects

August 29, 2017
Bureau of Reclamation Announces Nearly $21 Million to 43 Projects for Water Delivery Improvements Across Western United States

 

Last Updated: 5/22/19