How to Pay for Distributed Infrastructure

Established in 2010, the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides grants for local water use efficiency initiatives in the Western U.S There are several unique water supply reliability programs that operate under the WaterSMART program; all require a local match, usually 50%.  

• Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG). Focus on larger-scale projects resulting in quantifiable and sustained water savings such as turf replacement, high efficiency irrigation, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Grants range from $75,000-$5 million depending on timeframe. Reclamation typically awards 25-35 WEEG projects annually.  

• Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP). SWEP grants are for smaller-scale water use efficiency projects including turf replacement, smart controllers and high efficiency indoor appliances and fixtures. Applicants are primarily smaller utilities and grants are capped at $100,000. Reclamation typically awards 50-70 SWEP projects annually.  

• Environmental Water Resource Projects (EWRP) EWRP grants are for projects that benefit ecological values while increasing supply reliability. Eligible projects include watershed restoration, wetlands protection, green stormwater infrastructure. Awards are capped at $3-$5 million depending on timeframe. Reclamation typically awards 15 – 20 projects annually, contingent on Federal appropriations.  

WaterNow supports Colorado and other Western water providers navigate the WaterSMART process through our  WaterSMART Grant Application Support & Help Desk.