WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity is administered by the Bureau of Reclamation within the U.S. Department of the Interior. This federal program is part of a broader WaterSMART initiative designed to improve water supply reliability, ecological health, and watershed resilience across the western United States and associated territories. The program is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and emphasizes collaborative, multi-benefit projects that address water conservation, infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration needs. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to support projects that enhance water resource management for multiple uses, including agricultural, municipal, environmental, and recreational purposes. Eligible projects include water conservation and efficiency improvements, infrastructure modernization, watershed and river restoration, and strategic water management activities. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong collaboration among stakeholders, deliver measurable watershed benefits, and balance competing community interests such as agriculture, fisheries, and energy production. Funding is available for on-the-ground implementation projects, with applicants able to request up to three million dollars in federal funding. Total project costs must not exceed six million dollars and projects must be completed within a three-year performance period. A non-federal cost share is generally required, typically at a minimum of twenty five percent of total project costs. Special provisions exist for watershed groups, which may qualify for different cost share structures depending on partnerships. Funding cannot be used for routine maintenance, land purchases, pilot studies, or certain types of infrastructure expansion, and must comply with federal cost principles and environmental regulations. Eligibility is limited to specific categories of applicants, including states, tribes, irrigation and water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in designated western states and territories. Nonprofit conservation organizations may apply if partnered with eligible entities, and watershed groups may apply independently under specific criteria. Individuals, federal agencies, and institutions of higher education are not eligible to apply directly. Applicants must also complete required federal registrations, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, prior to submission. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include required forms such as the SF 424, SF 424A, and a detailed project narrative. The narrative must address technical design, stakeholder engagement, environmental compliance, and project readiness. Applicants are evaluated based on merit criteria including project benefits, planning and stakeholder support, readiness to proceed, alignment with federal priorities, construction feasibility, and cost share contributions. Projects with advanced design stages and strong measurable outcomes are prioritized. The funding opportunity includes two application deadlines, with submission periods closing in September 2026 and September 2027. Award selections are expected approximately six months after each deadline, with project start dates anticipated in August following selection. Projects are subject to ongoing monitoring, reporting, and compliance requirements, including environmental review under federal law. For assistance, applicants may contact the program coordinator via email or phone, and informational webinars and consultations are available to support application development.

Focus on quantifiable multi sector benefits; demonstrate stakeholder collaboration; ensure project is at advanced design stage; clearly align with merit criteria scoring; include strong cost share contributions