WaterSMART: 

Water Recycling and Desalination PlanningFunding Opportunity Information and Program Eligibility
Getting Started

• To watch the recording, use the 

same link: Join Live Teams Event

• Attendees' cameras and 

microphones are muted

• A copy of the slides will be 

available on our website:

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/

• Questions and com

posted in the Q&A bottom of the men
Today’s 

Presenters

Water Resources and Plan

• Maribeth Menendez• Katie Guerra
Agenda Overview

• Program Basics• Water Recycling and 

Desalination Planning Funding Opportunity

• Eligible Applicants• Eligible Projects• Program Funding• Evaluation Criteria

• Program Eligibility• Questions
WaterSMART Program Overview

• Increases water supply reliability 

through investments and attention to local water conflicts

• Supports water conservation and water 

management improvements to help meet competing demands for water

• Leverages Federal and non-Federal 

funding

• Relies on collaboration with 

stakeholders to develop local solutions to water supply issues

Growing P

Restora

Drought
Water Recycling and Desalination 

Program Overview

Within the WaterSMART Program framework Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program - Projects that reclaim and/or reuse m

agricultural wastewater; or impaired ground and surface waters

Desalination Construction - Ocean or brackish water desalination projectsUpcoming: Large-Scale Water Recycling - Projects that reclaim and/or reuse municipal, agricultural wastewater; or impaired ground and surface waters, with a total project cost 
Current Funding Opportunity:

Water Recycling and Desalination Planning

• Funding available for potential new Title XVI projects, Desalination Construction projects, and Large-Scale Water Recycling projects• Posted on grants.gov on 12/23/2022 – R23AS00076• All applications are due 2/28/2023 by 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time• Applications must be submitted through grants.gov or hard copy

• Eligible Applicants: 

• Local water agencies that are sponsors of water recycling or desalination projects• States, Tribes, municipalities, irrigation districts, water districts, wastewater districts; and any state, regional, or local authorities • Located in a Reclamation state, or Hawaii

• Eligible Project Activities:

• Development of new water recycling and desalination feasibility studies• Preparation of preliminary project cost estimates • Design activities • Environmental and cultural resource compliance activities
Water Recycling and Desalination Planning

Program Funding 

• $30 million in available program funds• Funding Group I: 

• Projects with an anticipated total 

project cost of less than $500 million

• 50% Federal cost-share, up to $1 

million

• Funding Group II

• Projects with an anticipated total 

project cost of greater than $500 million

• 25% Federal cost-share, up to $5 

million

• Applicants may request reimbursement 

for planning and pre-construction activities that can be completed within two years
Funding Opportunity Evaluation Crit

1) Project Planning and Analysis

 30 Point

a. Water Recycling Needs and Opportunities 

 15 Points

b. Evaluation of Project Alternatives 

 15 Points

2) Stretching Water Supplies

 20 Points

3) Environment and Water Quality 

 20 Po

4) Department of the Interior Priorities

 15 

5) Watershed Perspective 

 15 Points
How to Become Eligible for Water 

Recycling and Desalination Construction ProgramsA completed feasibility study must be submitted and found to meet all requirements of Reclamation’s Directives and Standards • WTR 11-01 Title XVI Water Reclamation 

and Reuse Program and Desalination Construction Program Feasibility Study Review Process 

• WTR TRMR-128: Additional requirements 

for Large-Scale Water Recycling 
Feasibility Study Report Requiremen

1) Flexibility Concerning Format2) Report Contents

1. Introductory Information2. Statement of Problems and Needs3. Water Reclamation, Recycling or Desalination Opportunitie4. Description of Alternatives (additional requirements for larg5. Economic Analysis (additional requirements for large-scale 6. Selection of the Proposed Project7. Environmental Consideration and Potential Effects8. Legal and Institutional Requirements9. Financial Capability of Sponsor10. Research Needs11. Peer review (for large-scale water recycling projects only)
Feasibility Study Guidance

for Large-Scale Water Recycling P

• WTR TRMR

‐128

• Reclamation Manual WTR 11

‐01, plus

the following:

• An array of project alternatives

• Trade

‐off analysis on alternatives

• Benefit

‐cost analysis on the

alternatives

• Technical peer review

WTR TRMR

‐128 (usbr.gov)
Program Resources

• Title XVI Program website: 

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/index.html

• Regional Coordinator Contact information available on Conta• Successful proposals are available on the website

• Large-Scale Water Recycling Program website:

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/largescale/index.htm

• For information about upcoming Title XVI Funding Opp

send an email to watersmart@usbr.gov with your name

address, and “Title XVI mailing list” in the subject

• Funding Opportunities can be found at: www.grants.go

• Program Coordinator: 

Maribeth Menendez, (303) 445-2094, mmenendez@usbr.go