WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants
WaterSMART Applied Science Grants fund projects that improve hydrologic data, modeling, and forecasting to help water managers enhance water supply reliability, drought resilience, and flood prediction.
Funder: Bureau of Reclamation
Due Dates: July 8, 2026 | April 13, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $400,000 per award; ~$6,000,000 total program funding; ~20 awards; 2-year project periods; 50% non-federal cost share required.
Summary: Supports projects to improve access to hydrologic data, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities for water supply reliability and drought resilience in the Western U.S. and Territories.
Key Information: 50% non-federal cost share required; Category B applicants must partner with a Category A entity.
Description
This program funds projects that enhance water management decision-making by improving access to hydrologic data, developing or refining water management tools, and advancing hydrologic modeling and forecasting capabilities. The goal is to support water supply reliability, enhance drought resilience, and optimize water operations in the Western United States and eligible Territories. Eligible projects include the development or enhancement of hydrologic models, forecasting tools, integration of snow measurement data into water supply forecasts, and improvements in data acquisition, analysis, and delivery. The program is designed to benefit water managers, reservoir operators, and stakeholders by providing actionable tools and data for real-world water management challenges.
