Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

Through the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities with water or power delivery authority for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope.

Contacts

For additional information on WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, please contact Ms. Nickie McCann at 303-445-3733 or send an email to nmccann@usbr.gov.

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

Announcements


  • Reclamation announces $3.3M in WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency grants for 36 projects

    The Bureau of Reclamation has selected 36 projects to receive a total of $3.3 million in federal funding to enhance water efficiency across the Western United States. The funding, provided through the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects program, will support initiatives such as the installation of flow measurement or automation systems, canal lining to reduce seepage, and other similar projects that aim to improve water management on a smaller scale. Read More →

  • Water and Energy Efficiency Grants Funding Opportunity and Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Webinar

    The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on August 29, 2024 to discuss the FY24 Water and Energy Efficiency funding opportunity and the FY24/25 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects funding opportunity.

    On November 14, 2023, The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG). This funding opportunity provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States. The first round of selections were announced August 5, 2024. The second and last round of applications are due November 13, 2024.

    On November 2, 2023, The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP). This funding opportunity provides funding for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. The first round of selections were announced May 23, 2024, and the second round of selections were due July 9, 2024. The third round of applications are due January 14, 2025.

    If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and select the applicable funding opportunity to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinator. 

  • Reclamation announces $3.7M in WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency grants for 41 projects

    The Bureau of Reclamation announced 41 projects selected to receive $3.7 million to improve water efficiency in the Western United States. Projects receiving funding through the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects include the installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. Read More →

Current Status

The FY24/25 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Program funding opportunity was posted November 2, 2023. Selections for the first round of of funding were announced May 23rd, 2024. Applications for the second round of funding were announced November 21, 2024. Applications for the third round of funding were due January 14, 2025 and are currently under review. Applications for the fourth and final round of funding are due July 8, 2025.

Questions?

Have a question regarding the funding opportunity or project eligibility questions? Request a meeting through our bookings site.


News Releases

November 21, 2024
Reclamation announces $3.3M in WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency grants for 36 projects

May 23, 2024
Reclamation announces $3.7M in WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency grants for 41 projects

June 22, 2020
Reclamation provides $3.3 million to 52 WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

September 5, 2019
Reclamation selects 63 projects to receive $4.1 million to improve water efficiency and reliability

Last Updated: 1/16/25