Water Resources Drought Response Grants

The Water Resources Drought Response Grants program is administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology through its Water Resources Program. This funding opportunity was established in response to a statewide drought emergency declaration, which determined that water supply levels had fallen below 75 percent of normal and were causing undue hardship to water users and environmental resources. The program operates under Chapter 173-167 WAC and provides financial support to address immediate and emerging impacts of drought conditions across Washington State. The Department of Ecology oversees the program, evaluates applications, and distributes funding on a rolling basis while the emergency declaration remains active. The primary purpose of this grant program is to alleviate drought-related hardships affecting agriculture, public water systems, fisheries, and wildlife. Funding supports projects that improve water supply reliability, reduce water demand, or mitigate impacts to ecosystems and communities. Eligible uses of funds include developing alternative water sources, repairing or replacing water infrastructure such as pipelines and pumps, transporting emergency water supplies, implementing conservation measures, and undertaking projects that support fish passage or wildlife habitat during low-flow conditions. The program emphasizes projects that can provide immediate relief and measurable benefits during the declared drought period. A total of up to $3 million is available for this funding opportunity. Individual project awards cannot exceed 25 percent of the total available funding. The program requires a cost-share contribution of at least 50 percent of eligible project costs from applicants, although public water systems serving economically disadvantaged communities may qualify for up to 100 percent funding. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, with recipients responsible for documenting eligible expenses and submitting periodic progress reports through the Ecology Administration of Grants and Loans system. Eligibility for this program is limited to public entities located within areas covered by the drought declaration. Eligible applicants include county and city governments, federally recognized tribes, public utility districts, water and sewer districts, conservation districts, irrigation districts, port districts, and watershed management partnerships. In addition to organizational eligibility, projects must demonstrate that they are located within a declared drought area and that reduced water supply conditions are causing or will cause undue hardship. Applications that do not meet geographic or hardship criteria are not considered for funding. Applicants must submit their proposals through the Ecology Administration of Grants and Loans system. The application process requires detailed descriptions of project scope, expected benefits, and documentation demonstrating drought impacts. Applicants are encouraged to include supporting materials such as engineering designs, maps, and data on water shortages. Projects are evaluated based on criteria including demonstrated hardship, anticipated benefits, cost-effectiveness, and availability of required matching funds. Each project must meet all eligibility criteria and achieve a minimum evaluation score to receive funding. The application period opened on April 8, 2026, and closes on August 7, 2026, corresponding with the duration of the emergency drought rule unless extended. Applications are reviewed as they are submitted, and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. The program may be extended if drought conditions persist, with updated guidance issued accordingly. Contact for the program is provided through the Department of Ecology, with the statewide drought lead serving as the primary point of communication for applicants and grantees.

Ensure the project clearly demonstrates drought-related hardship and quantifiable benefits; provide strong documentation of water shortages and impacts; align project scope with immediate drought response needs; confirm cost-share funding availability before applying