WaterSMART: Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects
This grant funds up to 25% of costs for planning, designing, and building large-scale water recycling projects over $500 million to boost water supply and hydropower reliability.
Funder: Bureau of Reclamation
Due Dates: April 13, 2026 (Feasibility study requested) | May 13, 2026 (Full application due by 4:00 p.m. MDT)
Funding Amounts: Up to $130 million per project (max 25% federal cost share); total program funding $130 million; 1–10 awards expected.
Summary: Supports large-scale water recycling projects in the western U.S. with a total project cost of $500 million or more, focused on increasing reliable, drought-resistant water supplies.
Key Information: Applicants must provide at least 75% non-federal cost share; projects must be located in eligible western states and meet feasibility requirements.
Description
This funding opportunity from the Bureau of Reclamation supports the planning, design, and construction of large-scale water recycling projects in the western United States. Through the WaterSMART program, the goal is to increase reliable, drought-resistant water supplies by reclaiming and reusing municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater or impaired groundwater/surface water. Projects must have a total cost of at least $500 million and demonstrate significant benefits in terms of water supply reliability, drought resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Eligible activities include feasibility-level planning, final design, environmental compliance, and all phases of construction, provided they are completed after the Reclamation feasibility study review and within three years of the application deadline. Projects that create new, local water supplies, reduce diversions, address environmental concerns, and foster regional collaboration are prioritized.
