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 funding opportunity for fiscal year 2018 closed on May 10, 2018. The applications received are currently being reviewed.

Proposed Calendar

March 2018

May 2018

  • May 10: Funding Opportunity Closes

News Releases

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

Nov 17, 2016
The Bureau of Reclamation Releases Two WaterSMART Grants Funding Opportunities for Water Conservation and Energy Efficiency Projects

Sept 27, 2016
Reclamation Seeks Comments on Draft Criteria for Three WaterSMART Funding Opportunities

June 23, 2016
Interior, USDA Announce More Than $47 Million in Investments for Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Drought Response & Agriculture Operations Across the West

Last Updated: 5/11/18