WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects
This grant funds collaborative projects that improve water conservation, infrastructure, and watershed health to benefit multiple community interests and align with recent federal priorities.
Funder: Bureau of Reclamation
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 | September 8, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,000,000 per project; minimum $50,000; total program funding $60,000,000; up to 3 years per award.
Summary: Supports collaborative projects that enhance water resource management, including conservation, infrastructure improvements, and river or watershed restoration in the Western U.S.
Key Information: 25% non-Federal cost share required (except certain territories); strict eligibility for applicant types and project activities.
Description
This opportunity funds projects that enhance water resources management for multiple uses such as water conservation, efficiency, infrastructure improvements, and river or watershed restoration. The program prioritizes projects developed collaboratively that provide significant watershed benefits and balance interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, etc.). Projects must be in the Western U.S. or specified territories and demonstrate benefits to watershed health, water supply reliability, and/or fish and wildlife habitat. Both construction and non-construction projects are eligible, provided they are advanced in design and can be completed within three years.
