WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants 

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Bureau of Reclamation

Purpose

To support projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the Western United States.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

An eligible applicant is a state, Indian tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority. Applicants must also be located in the Western US or Territories, specifically: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Group 1: smaller on the ground projects that take up to 2 years to complete Group 2 and 3: Larger projects that may take up to 3 years to complete

Decarbonization Considerations

This program specifically funds projects that increase the reliability of water supply and/or the use of hydropower in managing and delivering water. Note that other types of renewable energy projects, including large-scale solar, wind, and geothermal projects, are ineligible through this program.

Equity Considerations

See the "Equity Design Considerations for Federal Funding" for general considerations and additional sector-based resources: https://cityrenewables.org/resources/equity-design-considerations-for-federal-funding/

Helpful Tips

Applicants proposing hydropower development may wish to contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G, Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline to discuss the requirements listed above.

Other Notes

This program was formerly known as USBR's Challenge Grants program.