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.

Join the WaterSMART Mailing List

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

WaterSMART Project Selections Overview

Since January 2010, Reclamation has selected 2,379 projects to be funded with $3.86 billion in WaterSMART funding, in conjunction with $9.2 billion in non-Federal funding, across the western states.

Documents

• WaterSMART Fact Sheet
• Spring 2025 Tributary Newsletter
• Summer 2025 Tributary Newsletter new!

Announcements

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• 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 →

• Reclamation invests over $33M in drought resiliency projects in the West

  The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing $33.5 million for 14 projects to improve drought resiliency through water treatment, new or improved infrastructure, and implementation of new water management tools and technology. The projects are located in California, Nebraska, Utah and Washington. Read More →

  Project Descriptions

• Upcoming Changes to the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP)

  Effective Monday, May 19, 2025, the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service will be making changes to the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) requiring Recipient Organizations to include a justification for each payment. This field is mandatory and will be required in the first step of the payment request process. View the presentation to learn more about this new feature.

• FY25 Environmental Water Resources Projects Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects funding opportunity. If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria for the Environmental Water Resources Projects, click here and select Inquiry: Environmental Water Resource Projects to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.

• FY25/26 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program Funding Opportunity Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar on Thursday, January 16, 2025, to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program funding opportunity. Click here to view a recording of the live event.

• Applied Science Grants Funding Opportunity Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Applied Science Grants funding opportunity. Click here to view a live recording.