Feds launch new large-scale water recycling program

A new large-scale water recycling program has been launched by the Department of the Interior aimed at creating new water supplies that are less vulnerable to drought and climate change. An initial $180 million has been made available to fund projects that advance water recycling and reuse.

There is no cap on project size to incentivize larger scale projects to help communities develop local, drought-resistant water supplies by turning unusable water sources into clean, reliable ones.

“Through investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Bureau of Reclamation is supporting work on multiple water recycling projects throughout the West. With this new program, we will be able to fund larger projects to grow local water supplies and serve more individuals,” said Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. “As we work to address the drought crisis, its critical we are advancing innovative, forward-looking solutions that help communities develop local, drought resistant water supplies.”

This new funding opportunity has multiple application deadlines in 2023 and 2024. Projects that secure and stretch reliable water supplies for drought-stricken states and communities, provide water quality improvements, reduce impacts on projects owned by federal or state agencies, or provide benefits to disadvantaged, underserved and Tribal communities will be prioritized.

More information is available at www.grants.gov by searching “R23AS00433.”