The Bureau of Reclamation has announced several WaterSMART funding opportunities.

WaterSMART Grants

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

The new small-scale water efficiency projects funding opportunity is for small improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, small rebate programs that result in reduced residential water use, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. These projects are eligible to receive up to $75,000 in federal funding. For this funding opportunity, Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

Previously, small-scale water efficiency projects were funded through Reclamation’s Water Conservation Field Services Program, which beginning this year will focus on planning and design activities to help lay the groundwork for future improvements. Proposals for this new category of WaterSMART Grants will be accepted, evaluated and selected on a rolling basis with the final application submission deadline on April 27, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. MDT. This funding opportunity is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity BOR-DO-17-F011.

Water and Energy Efficiency Grants

Water and energy efficiency grants focus on larger scale projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and that may have several components intended to address a significant water management concern. Projects include canal lining and piping, more comprehensive installation of irrigation flow measurement or canal automation improvements, installation of water meters and other similar projects. Projects may also include components that increase renewable energy use and improve energy efficiency, and projects that result in instream flows for endangered species and other fish and wildlife or support water sustainability in other ways.

Proposals must be submitted by January 18, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. MST. The funding opportunity is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-17-F012.

Drought Response Program

Drought Contingency Planning

The drought contingency planning funding opportunity is for applicants to request up to $200,000 to develop a new drought plan or to update an existing drought plan. Applicants may also request technical assistance from Reclamation for the development of elements of the Drought Contingency Plan. States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the 17 Western United States and Hawaii are eligible for this funding opportunity. It is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-17-F009. Applications are due on February 14, 2017, at 4 p.m. MST.

Drought Resiliency Projects

The drought resiliency projects funding opportunity is for projects that will increase the reliability of water supply; improve water management; implement systems to facilitate the voluntary sale, transfer, or exchange of water; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought.

For drought resiliency projects, states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the 17 Western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, are invited to leverage their resources by cost sharing with Reclamation. Applicants must also provide a 50 percent non-Federal cost-share. It is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-17-F010. Applications are due on February 14, 2017, at 4 p.m. MST.

Title XVI Research Program

The Title XVI Program will provide funding for research to establish or expand water reuse markets, improve or expand existing water reuse facilities, and streamline the implementation of clean water technology at new facilities. Up to $75,000 will be provided for projects that can be completed in up to 18 months, $150,000 for projects that can be completed in up to 24 months, and $300,000 in funding for research that can be completed within 36 months. Applications are due on February 6, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. MST. The funding opportunity announcement is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-17-F004.

Desalination and Water Purification Research

Research and Laboratory Scale Projects

Research and laboratory scale projects are typically bench scale studies involving small flow rates less than two gallons per minutes. Successful applicants will receive up to $150,000 available per applicant. The application process is divided into two phases. Phase one applications are due on January 18, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. MST. Phase two applications will be due at the end of March 2017. Applicants are required to provide at least 50-percent non-federal funding. Universities are not required to provide a cost-share but it is encouraged. The funding opportunity announcement is available on www.grants.gov by searching BOR-DO-17-F005.

Pilot Scale Projects

Pilot scale testing projects are typically preceded by research studies that demonstrate that the technology works and usually involve flow rates above one gallon a minute. Successful applicants will receive up to $200,000 per applicant, per year for a total funding of up to $400,000. Phase one applications are due on January 12, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. MST. Phase two applications will be due at the end of March 2017. All applicants are required to provide at least 50-percent non-federal funding. The funding opportunity announcement is available on www.grants.gov by searching BOR-DO-17-F006.

Full Scale Demonstration Projects

Full scale testing projects are typically preceded by pilot scale testing that demonstrates that the technology works. They are at a true full-scale size that could operate at an actual desalination plant. Successful applicants will receive up to $500,000 per applicant per year for a total of up to $1.5 million over three years. Phase one applications are due on January 12, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. MST. Phase two applications will be due at the end of March 2017. All applicants are required to provide at least 75-percent non-federal funding. The funding opportunity announcement is available on www.grants.gov by searching BOR-DO-17-F007.

Title XVI Program

Authorized Projects

The Title XVI Authorized Projects FOA is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-17-F002. Applicants must have a congressionally authorized Title XVI water reclamation and reuse project. It is estimated that funding will be provided for between 5 to 10 projects. Proposals must be submitted as indicated in the application packet by 4 p.m. MST on Dec. 15, 2016.

Feasibility Studies

The Title XVI Feasibility Study FOA is available at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-17-F003. Eligible applicants include state, regional or local authorities, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, or other entities such as a water district, wastewater district, or rural water district. Applicants must provide a minimum 50-percent cost-share for the proposed feasibility study. Proposals must be submitted as indicated in the application packet by 4 p.m. MST on Jan. 5, 2017.