WaterSMART Grant Applications Due in June/July
Applications are being accepted for three of the WaterSMART grant programs for Fiscal Year 2026 through the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation. Deadlines are in June or July for Drought Response, Small-Scale Water Efficiency and Applied Science grants.
These opportunities apply to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nebraska.
Contact your Freese and Nichols Project Manager to explore ways that your project might qualify under these programs described below.
You can also get more information about this or other water funding opportunities from mark.evans@freese.com or kate.burum@freese.com
Drought Response
What qualifies: Projects that assist communities in preparing for and responding to drought, including drought contingency planning and construction of drought resilience projects.
What’s available: Up to $1.5 million for projects
Cost Share: 50% or greater
Total grant amount available: $13.5 million
Application due date: July 28 at 5 p.m. Central Time.
The WaterSMART Drought Response Program Notice of Funding Opportunity invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans. Funding under the Drought Response Program supports a range of initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions.
For more information: WaterSMART Drought Response Program Grant Opportunity
Small-Scale Water Efficiency
What qualifies: Projects that improve water use efficiency, increase water conservation, and help communities better manage water resources.
What’s available: Up to $125,000 for projects
Cost Share: 50% or greater
Total grant amount available: $4 million
Application due date: June 2 at 5 p.m. Central Time.
The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Notice of Funding Opportunity invites eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects that conserve water and enhance water supply reliability in water delivery systems. It encourages the implementation of small-scale projects identified through prior planning efforts, such as canal lining, water delivery automation, flow measurement and other projects that increase water efficiency.
For more information: WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Grant Opportunity
Applied Science Grants
What qualifies: Projects that develop tools and information to support water management decisions and enhance hydrologic resilience.
What’s available: Up to $400,000 for projects
Cost Share: 50% or greater
Total grant amount available: $6 million
Application due date: July 8 at 5 p.m. Central Time.
The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity invites eligible entities to apply for funding to improve access to and use of hydrologic data, develop and improve water management tools and improve hydrologic modeling and forecasting capabilities. Water managers and reservoir operators rely on hydrologic data, modeling and water supply forecasts to make decisions to meet future water demands.
For more information: WaterSMART Applied Science Grant Opportunity