Water Acquisition Grants
Water Acquisition Grants support Oregon organizations in securing voluntary, protected instream flows to restore streamflows, benefit native fish and wildlife habitat, and improve water quality.
Funder: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Due Dates: October 14, 2026, 5 p.m. (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: No maximum award amount; match of at least 25% of the OWEB request
Summary: Supports voluntary water acquisitions that protect instream flows for habitat, species, and water quality in Oregon.
Key Information: Projects must include implementation; planning- or outreach-only requests are ineligible.
Description
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) funds projects across Oregon that acquire an interest in water from a willing seller or lessor, or otherwise secure contractually protected instream flow. The program aims to maintain or restore streamflows for watersheds and native fish and wildlife habitat, or improve water quality in water-quality-limited areas.
Projects can use instream leases, split-season leases, time-limited or permanent transfers, conserved-water projects, and water use agreements such as minimum-flow or forbearance agreements. Grants can support acquisition and implementation costs, as well as planning and outreach tied to an implementing project.
