Bureau Announces WaterSMART Funding Opportunities by ACWA Staff May 27, 2026 Water News WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently announced three new funding opportunities through its WaterSMART Program to support water recycling, desalination and watershed resilience projects. The opportunities include funding for Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, Desalination Construction Projects and Enhancing Water Resources Projects. The Title XVI program supports the planning, design and construction of water recycling and reuse projects that help communities build drought-resilient water supplies and reduce reliance on vulnerable sources. Applications are due this Aug. 26 and Aug. 26, 2027, with feasibility studies required by June 26 or Jan. 15, 2027, depending on the application round. Full application details can be found on Grants.gov under funding opportunity number R26AS00079. The Desalination Construction Projects opportunity funds seawater and brackish water desalination facilities that diversify local water supplies and improve drought resilience. Application and feasibility study deadlines mirror those for the Title XVI program. Full application details can be found on Grants.gov under funding opportunity number R26AS00034. The Enhancing Water Resources Projects opportunity supports multi-benefit projects that improve water supply reliability and watershed health, including restoration, fish passage, conservation and infrastructure improvements. Applications for this funding opportunity are due this Sept. 9 and Sept. 8, 2027. Full application details can be found on Grants.gov under funding opportunity number R26AS00017. The Bureau will host a June 16 webinar on the Enhancing Water Resources Projects opportunity. For more information on this and other webinars regarding WaterSMART, visit the Bureau’s website. Interested applicants may also schedule consultation calls with Bureau staff.
