The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.
The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 aim to invite States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to engage in small-scale on-the-ground projects that conserve, better manage, or make more efficient use of water supplies. These projects should be supported by existing water management and conservation plans, or other planning efforts led by the applicant, and are prioritized if they align with such plans. This initiative supports broader goals including the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring a significant portion of federal investment benefits flow to disadvantaged communities. The grant seeks projects that are well thought out, have public support, and are identified as optimal solutions for water management concerns, with a streamlined application process and simplified evaluation criteria tailored for smaller entities.