Desalination and Water Purification Research Program: Research Projects
This grant funds innovative research to develop and commercialize cost-effective, energy-efficient technologies for desalinating and purifying impaired water to increase U.S. water supplies.
Funder: Bureau of Reclamation
Due Dates: September 29, 2026: Full application deadline — electronically submitted applications must be received no later than 4:00 PM Mountain Time on this date
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$800,000 per award (laboratory-scale up to $300,000; pilot-scale up to $800,000); total program funding $5.7 million; project duration up to 24–36 months
Summary: Supports innovative laboratory and pilot-scale research to advance desalination and water purification technologies for increasing water supplies.
Description
The Bureau of Reclamation's Desalination and Water Purification Research (DWPR) Program provides funding for research projects aimed at reducing the costs, energy requirements, and barriers to the adoption of technologies that treat impaired water for beneficial uses. The program seeks proposals for both laboratory-scale and pilot-scale projects that demonstrate innovation, broad applicability, and a pathway toward commercialization. Research should focus on developing new water supply technologies or improving existing processes, with an emphasis on national significance and benefits to the public.
Eligible projects may address topics such as advancements in desalination and water treatment technologies, concentrate management, selective contaminant removal, water reuse applications, and the integration of artificial intelligence in water treatment processes. Projects should align with federal priorities and support the Bureau's mission to manage and protect water resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner.
