- Reclamation
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Science and Technology Program
About S&T Program
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KNOWLEDGE STREAM MAGAZINE
Materials Research: Preserving the Longevity of Reclamation Structures
Welcome to the Winter 2021 issue of the Knowledge Stream! In this issue we highlight Research and Development (R&D) Office efforts in materials research to address the various challenges in our infrastructure.
R&D has been funding research on materials to meet the needs of our aging infrastructure and at the same time innovate and create the infrastructure for the next century. In this issue you will learn about the pioneering work of Reclamation scientists and engineers to make such advancements.
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Project Funding
Reclamation Invests $4.92 Million in 46 New Research Projects
Reclamation is investing $4.92 million in 46 new research projects and $3.4 million to 134 research projects that are continuing in 2022 to support water and power management in the West. The selected projects cover five research areas: water infrastructure, power and energy, environmental issues for water delivery and management, water operations and planning, and water supply development.
Project Descriptions -
KNOWLEDGE STREAM MAGAZINE
Invasive Mussels: From Detection to Control
Welcome to the Fall 2021 issue of the Knowledge Stream! In this issue we highlight Research and Development (R&D) Office efforts to address the challenges posed by invasive zebra and quagga mussels on Western U.S. water management.
Identifying better ways to detect mussel settlement, predict spread, combat impacts on facilities, and control populations in lakes and reservoirs is a key component of Reclamation’s efforts to control and mitigate mussels impacts on Reclamation’s water infrastructure and in managed waterways. Read Issue →
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Project Funding
FY 2021 Science and Technology Research Projects
Reclamation is providing an additional $1.5 million in funding for 23 new research projects that will assist Reclamation water and power facility managers, as well as its customers and stakeholders, better manage their facilities and operations. This in addition to the $6.2 million provided in October, $2.2 million for new internal research projects, and $4 million for 134 multi-year projects that are continuing in fiscal year 2021. Learn More →
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KNOWLEDGE STREAM MAGAZINE
Canal Health
Welcome to the June 2022 issue of the Knowledge Stream! R&D is excited to share research progress on canal health in the latest issue of the Knowledge Stream magazine. This issue highlights better ways to identify and quantify canal seepage to prioritize canal improvements, enhance sustainability, and support water delivery reliability.
Canal sustainability is a priority issue for Reclamation and the western U.S. water management community. Reclamation and partners have constructed over 8,000 miles of canal to service water deliveries. As canals age, water managers seek efficient and affordable ways to inspect frequently, identify seepage areas, and analyze areas of interest to inform response. Read Issue →
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Project Funding
Reclamation Allocates an Additional $2.8 Million to Develop Innovative Solutions for Water and Power Management Issues
(March 2, 2020) The Bureau of Reclamation is providing a total of $2.8 million in additional funds to 30 new research projects through its Science and Technology Program. This additional funding builds on the previously announced award of a total of $8.9 million for 27 new and 114 continuing projects. “We are pleased with the variety of research projects submitted in this competition,” said Levi Brekke, Research and Development Program Manager. “These projects will lead to innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the Western United States.” Read More →
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Project of the Year
Reclamation's Science and Technology Project of the Year - Control of Invasive Mussel Biofouling in Hydropower Cooling Systems Using Hydro-Optic UV Light
(April 17, 2019) The Bureau of Reclamation's Science and Technology Program focuses on providing innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the western United States. One research project stood out in 2018 and was recently selected as the Project of the Year. The award was presented to Sherri Pucherelli for the project entitled, "Control of biofouling in hydropower cooling systems using hydro-optic ultraviolet light." The award was selected for its positive impact to Reclamation, other federal and non-federal partners, its efforts to address the current Department of the Interior priorities, the involvement of partners, and its level of innovation. Read More →
The Science and Technology Program (S&T) is a Reclamation-wide competitive, merit-based applied research and development program. The program focuses on innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the Western United States for Reclamation water and facility managers and the stakeholders they serve. The program has contributed many of the tools and capabilities Reclamation and western water managers use today.
Research authorization is conducted under the Reclamation Act of 1902 (PDF, 5.6 MB) and the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (PDF, 2.7 MB).
News & Media
Science and Technology Program - AWARD
Reclamation Awards $4.2 Million for Science and Technology Innovations
(October 15, 2024) The Bureau of Reclamation today announced an award of $4.2 million for 31 new science and technology research projects. The projects garnered an additional $11.2 million in matching cost-share funds. Projects were wide ranging from ways to safely eliminate invasive mussels in reservoirs to utilizing robotic crawlers to inspect buried or encased metallic pipe minimizing risks to staff.
"To tackle the complex challenges of managing water and generating power in the West, we must leverage our internal expertise and experience,” said Research and Development Program Manager, Ken Nowak. “Collaborating with our dedicated managers, experts, and partners enables us to identify critical tools and development opportunities to secure a sustainable future."
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Science and Technology Facilitated Adoption Program
Reclamation Invests $2 Million in Projects to Support Adoption of Promising Research
(September 4, 2024) The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $2 million investment in nine projects and continued funding for nine ongoing multi-year projects. The funding is part of Reclamation’s Facilitated Adoption program that supports implementation of solutions to water management challenges. Projects selected include improving the accuracy of reservoir evaporation monitoring, improved safety and testing for hydropower turbine and rotor turning, 3D measurements of infrastructure and more.
Reclamation’s Science and Technology Facilitated Adoption Program provides funding for projects that have demonstrated promising solutions and successful results, helping Reclamation fulfill its mission by implementing those outcomes. The program uses Reclamation staff expertise and experience to address challenges associated with managing water and generating power in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner.
“With a rich legacy of leadership and expertise in water management, these projects build upon the pioneering efforts of innovators.” said Research and Development Program Manager, Ken Nowak. "These projects demonstrate Reclamation’s commitments to addressing challenges faced by water managers in the West with cutting-edge solutions. Read More →
KNOWLEDGE STREAM MAGAZINE
Innovating Through Prize Competitions
Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of the Knowledge Stream! In this issue we highlight updates to the Science and Technology Prize Competition Program at the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). Prize competitions use an innovative crowdsourcing technique to develop solutions to meet Reclamation’s missions. Reclamation has launched 34 competitions and awarded over $6.5M for winning solutions since the inception of the Prize Competition Program. Recently completed, on-going, and upcoming prize competitions are described.
This issue also includes two new complementary tools and mechanisms to the prize competition program: technology searches and facilitated adoption. Prize competitions are complementary to traditional research while targeting Reclamation’s most persistent science and technology challenges.
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PROGRAM – FUNDING
Update: Reclamation Invests $3.3 Million in Science and Technology Development Projects
(June 20, 2024) Update: On April 2nd, the Bureau of Reclamation invested $1 million in 10 additional projects for fiscal year 2024. For more information, please see "Project Descriptions."
(September 28, 2023) The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $2.3 million investment in 25 new science and technology development projects and 118 continuing multiyear projects.
“Reclamation has a long history of leadership and expertise on technical water management subjects," said Research and Development Program Manager, Ken Nowak. "These projects continue the legacy of Reclamation scientists and engineers bringing innovation to challenges faced by western water managers." Read More →
Project Descriptions
PROJECT FUNDING
Reclamation Invests $6.6 Million for Innovative Water and Power Solutions
(September 29, 2022) The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $6.6 million in internal research for the development of innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the West. This includes funding for 21 new research projects and 120 continuing, multi-year projects.
"The projects selected will directly benefit water and power facility managers, customers, stakeholders and industry," said Senior Advisor for Research and Development Levi Brekke. "The Science and Technology Program contributed to many of the tools and capabilities that western water managers use today." Read More →
Project Descriptions
KNOWLEDGE STREAM MAGAZINE
Innovation at Reclamation – Research & Development Office Overview
Welcome to the Spring 2022 issue of the Knowledge Stream! In this issue, we provide an overview of Research and Development (R&D;) Office and Programs. As the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) carries out its mission, a variety of scientific and technical challenges are encountered that benefit from innovation activities.
The R&D; Office invests in such innovation through the Desalination and Water Purification Research (DWPR) Program and the Science and Technology (S&T;) Program, both of which help to advance Reclamation’s technical abilities to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner. Additionally, the R&D; Office houses several other programs: the Reclamation Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Program, the recently authorized Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program, the S&T; Prize Competition Program, and the Open Water Data Program.
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