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 designed to support collaborative, on-the-ground projects that improve water resource management across multiple sectors. The initiative is funded in part through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and reflects broader federal priorities around water supply reliability, ecosystem restoration, and infrastructure modernization. The Bureau of Reclamation plays a central role in water management across the western United States, and this program builds on its mission to promote sustainable water use, address drought challenges, and improve watershed health. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial assistance for projects that enhance water supply reliability, improve water quality, and restore aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Eligible activities include water conservation and efficiency improvements, infrastructure upgrades, watershed restoration, and strategic water management changes. Projects are expected to provide measurable benefits to multiple stakeholders, such as agricultural users, municipalities, environmental groups, and recreational interests. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate collaborative development, significant watershed-level benefits, and readiness for implementation, particularly those with advanced design and engineering progress. Funding under this opportunity supports projects with a maximum federal request of up to $3,000,000, with total project costs not exceeding $6,000,000. The program requires cost sharing, typically at a minimum of 25 percent non-federal contribution. Special provisions apply to watershed groups, which may qualify for different cost-share structures depending on partnerships. Projects must be completed within a three-year period, and funding is distributed through grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of federal involvement required. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to specific categories of applicants. These include states, tribes, irrigation and water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located primarily in the western United States and certain U.S. territories. Nonprofit conservation organizations may apply if they partner with eligible entities, and watershed groups may apply independently if they meet specific criteria related to governance, stakeholder representation, and mission. Federal entities, individuals, and institutions of higher education are not eligible applicants under this program. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and involves several mandatory components, including standard federal forms, a project narrative, a budget narrative, and a project abstract summary. Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with federal requirements such as SAM.gov registration and provide detailed documentation of project design, stakeholder support, and anticipated outcomes. The project narrative is limited to 30 pages and must address specific merit review criteria, including project benefits, readiness to proceed, and alignment with federal priorities. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process that assigns points across several criteria, including project benefits, planning and support, readiness, and cost share contributions. Additional review stages include eligibility screening, risk assessment, and managerial review. Projects that demonstrate strong multi-sector benefits, advanced readiness, and alignment with federal priorities are more likely to receive funding. The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates announcing award decisions several months after each application deadline, with project implementation beginning approximately one year after submission. This funding opportunity includes two application deadlines, occurring annually in early September, with anticipated award announcements in the following spring. Projects are expected to begin in August following selection and conclude within three years. Applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff prior to submission and may participate in informational webinars or consultation sessions. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact the program coordinator via email or phone.

Projects with advanced design (60%+), strong stakeholder collaboration, and measurable multi-sector benefits score highest; ensure clear quantification of outcomes and alignment with federal priorities