WaterSMART

Applied Science Grants

Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance on a competitive basis for Applied Science Grants. Through these grants, Reclamation provides funding to non-Federal entities for the development of tools and information to support water management for multiple uses. Eligible projects include the development of modeling and forecasting tools, hydrologic data platforms, and new data sets. See a full description of eligible project types.

Eligible applicants include States, tribes, irrigation and water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States and territories. Universities, nonprofit research organizations and nonprofit organizations located in the United States are also eligible if they partner with an entity with water delivery authority. See a full description of applicant eligibility.

Documents

• Applied Science Grants Fact Sheet

Contacts

For additional information on WaterSMART Applied Science Grants, please contact Ms. Stephanie Micek at 720-799-3158 or send an email to smicek@usbr.gov.

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

Announcements

• Applied Science Grants Funding Opportunity Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation will host 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 join the live event.

• Reclamation provides $13.3 million in grants to improve to enhance water management and forecast tools in the West

  The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $13.3 million in 51 external applied science projects in 12 states that will develop tools and information to support water management. The projects selected include the development of modeling and forecasting tools, hydrologic data platforms and new data sets to inform decision-making. Read More →

  Project Descriptions

• FY23 Applied Science Grants Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar Wednesday, July, 26th 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 recording of the live event.

  Download slideshow

• Biden-Harris Administration Makes Up to $5 Million Available for WaterSMART Funding Opportunities

  Reclamation today announced a notice of funding opportunity through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the WaterSMART Basin Study Program for the development of hydrologic information and water management tools that improve modeling and forecasting capabilities. Read More →

• Reclamation provides $1.2 million in grants to improve water modeling and forecasting to support water management

  The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $1.2 million in eight external applied science projects that will develop tools and information to support water management. The projects selected include the development of modeling and forecasting tools, hydrologic data platforms and new data sets to inform decision-making. Read More →

  Project Descriptions

• Reclamation awards $3.1 million in grants to develop water data, modeling and forecasting tools and information for water managers

  The Bureau of Reclamation selected 20 projects to share $3.1 million in applied science grants to develop tools and information to support water management decisions. These projects in 11 western states include improved water data, modeling and forecasting capabilities. Read More →

  Project Descriptions