- Reclamation
- WaterSMART
- WaterSMART Grants
- Water and Energy Efficiency Grants
WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants
Through WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (formerly Challenge Grants) Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities with water or power delivery authority. Projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States. Projects are selected through a competitive process and the focus is on projects that can be completed within two or three years.
Contacts
For additional on WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, please contact Mr. Josh German at 720-812-0875 or send an email to jgerman@usbr.gov.
You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation.
Announcements
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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. Click here to watch a recording of the live event.
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 16, 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.
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Biden-Harris Administration Delivers $105 Million from Investing in America Agenda for Water Conservation and Efficiency ProjectsThe Department of the Interior today announced a nearly $105 million investment as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda for 67 water conservation and efficiency projects that will enhance drought resilience across the nation. The investment comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations. Read More →
Webinar for WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants Funding Opportunity
On December 12, 2023, Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program hosted a webinar to discuss the Water and Energy Efficiency Grants funding opportunity currently open on grants.gov. The webinar includes information regarding eligibility, program requirements, and the selection process.
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Provides $50 Million for Water and Energy Efficiency Projects
The Department of the Interior today announced the availability of up to $50 million for water conservation and efficiency projects as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda to enhance the resilience of the West to drought and climate change. Read More →
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $140 Million for Water Conservation and Efficiency Projects in the West
The Department of the Interior today announced a $140 million investment for water conservation and efficiency projects as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda to enhance the resilience of the West to drought and climate change. Funding for 84 projects in 15 western states, provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations, will go to irrigation and water districts, states, Tribes and other entities and are expected to conserve over 230,000 acre-feet of water when completed. This is equivalent to 77 billion gallons of water, enough water for more than 940,000 people. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Provide $25.5 Million for Water Efficiency Projects in Eight Western States
The Department of the Interior today announced $25.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants to safeguard local water supplies in the face of severe western drought. Read More →
