WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects

The WaterSMART Desalination Construction Projects funding opportunity is administered by the Bureau of Reclamation within the U.S. Department of the Interior. This program is part of the broader WaterSMART initiative, which focuses on improving water supply reliability and management across the western United States. Through this opportunity, the Bureau of Reclamation seeks to partner with state, tribal, and local entities to develop and expand desalination infrastructure that can provide new, drought-resistant water supplies. The program aligns with federal priorities to strengthen water infrastructure, enhance resilience to climate variability, and support long-term resource sustainability. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the planning, design, and construction of desalination facilities that treat seawater or brackish surface water or groundwater. These projects are intended to diversify water supply portfolios, reduce dependence on traditional sources, and improve flexibility in water management during periods of shortage. The program emphasizes projects that are cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and capable of delivering measurable increases in water supply. Projects must demonstrate alignment with regional or state water planning efforts and contribute to broader water management goals. Funding under this opportunity is substantial, with an estimated total program funding of $120 million and approximately 10 awards anticipated. Individual awards may range up to $120 million, though the federal share is capped at 25 percent of total eligible project costs. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 75 percent non-federal cost share, which must come from non-federal sources and comply with federal cost-sharing regulations. Eligible costs include planning, design, and construction activities that occur after the feasibility study review and within three years of the application deadline. Costs related to proposal preparation or feasibility study development are not eligible. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to public entities, including states, tribes, municipalities, irrigation districts, water districts, and wastewater districts located in specific western states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, and others. Projects must meet several technical requirements, including completion of a feasibility study that complies with Bureau of Reclamation standards and is submitted by specified deadlines. Additionally, projects must either be included in a state-approved plan or supported by a request from the state governor. Certain project types, such as wastewater recycling or research-focused initiatives, are explicitly excluded. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple required components such as the SF-424 application form, budget documentation, project narrative, and supporting materials. The project narrative is a critical component and must address detailed technical descriptions, project benefits, and responses to merit review criteria. Applications are evaluated based on a structured scoring system that considers factors such as increased water supply, economic analysis, water management benefits, alignment with federal priorities, and cost-share contributions. The review process includes eligibility screening, technical merit evaluation, and risk assessment. The timeline for this opportunity includes two submission periods, with deadlines on August 26, 2026, and August 26, 2027. Applicants must also meet earlier deadlines for feasibility study submission and approval. Awards are expected to be announced approximately six months after each submission deadline, with anticipated project start dates around September 30, 2027, and completion by September 30, 2029. The program does not operate on a rolling basis but does provide multiple opportunities within the funding window. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Bureau of Reclamation via the program email or reach out directly to the Program Coordinator. The agency provides guidance on eligibility, technical requirements, and application preparation. This funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in water infrastructure and offers a strategic pathway for eligible entities to develop long-term, sustainable water supply solutions through desalination.

Strongly quantify water supply benefits and cost effectiveness; align project with state plans and federal priorities; ensure feasibility study compliance and clear technical scope; emphasize drought resilience and infrastructure impact