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.

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WaterSMART Project Selections Overview

Since January 2010, Reclamation has selected 2,414 projects to be funded with $3.37 billion in WaterSMART funding, in conjunction with $8.89 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

Announcements

• Reclamation awards $38.9 million in WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants

  The Bureau of Reclamation has selected 31 projects in 10 western states to receive a total of $38.9 million for on-the-ground water efficiency projects. The grants will help the water entities use water more efficiently and improve water supply reliability in the western United States.

• WaterSMART Title XVI and Desalination Construction Webinar

  On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Title XVI and Desalination Construction Notice of Funding Opportunities. Click here to watch a recording of the webinar.

  Download slideshow.

• WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects Webinar

  On Tuesday, June 16th, 2026, at 1:00pm MDT, the Bureau of Reclamation will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Enhanced Water Resourses Projects Notice of Funding Opportunity. Click here to join the webinar.

  A recording will be made available after the event.

• WaterSMART Applied Science Grants Webinar

  On Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Applied Science Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity. Click here to watch the recording.

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• WaterSMART Drought Response Program Webinar

  On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Drought Response Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. Click here to watch the recording.

  Download Slideshow

• WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Webinar

  On Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation hosted 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. Click here to watch the recording.

  Download Slideshow

• 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 →