# WaterSMART Water Recycling (15.504)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/15-504-watersmart-water-recycling/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

WaterSMART Water Recycling is run by Department of the Interior. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $942 million in 90 grants, about $10.5 million per award.

## Objectives

To make funding available for water recycling projects. To develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse—thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying water supply portfolios. Title XVI of P.L. 102-575, as amended (Title XVI), directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner, to undertake a program to identify and investigate opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and impaired ground and surface water in the 17 Western States and Hawaii. Title XVI provides authority for the Secretary to provide up to 25 percent of the cost of planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects, currently up to $40 million unless otherwise specified by Congress, as well as up to 50 percent of the cost of feasibility studies. Section 40905 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58 provides authority for the Secretary to provide up to 25 percent of the cost of planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects with a total estimate project cost of $500 million or more.
Title XVI of P.L. 102-575, as amended (Title XVI), directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner, to undertake a program to identify and investigate opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and impaired ground and surface water in the 17 Western States and Hawaii. Title XVI provides authority for the Secretary to provide up to 25 percent of the cost of planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects, currently up to $30 million unless otherwise specified by Congress, as well as up to 50 percent of the cost of feasibility studies.
The Water Desalination Act of 1996, as amended by P.L. 114-332 provides authority for the Secretary to provide up to 25 percent of the cost of planning, design, and construction of ocean or brackish water desalination facilities.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $77.4 million | 20 |
| 2022 | $33.4 million | 11 |
| 2023 | $291 million | 19 |
| 2024 | $66.6 million | 33 |
| 2025 | $473 million | 28 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California | California | $130 million |
| City of San Buenaventura | California | $106 million |
| Water Replenishment District of Southern California | California | $47.9 million |
| City of Oceanside | California | $31.2 million |
| Eastern Municipal Water District | California | $30.0 million |
| Truckee Meadows Water Authority | Nevada | $30.0 million |
| Soquel Creek Water District | California | $30.0 million |
| Sacramento Area Sewer District | California | $29.9 million |
| Olivenhain Municipal Water District | California | $29.9 million |
| Padre Dam Municipal Water District | California | $29.9 million |
| Monterey One Water | California | $29.9 million |
| El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board | Texas | $26.8 million |
| Irvine Ranch Water District | California | $24.5 million |
| Washington County Water Conservancy District | Utah | $21.6 million |
| Coachella Valley Water District Public Facilities Corporation | California | $20.9 million |
| Board of Water Supply | Hawaii | $19.9 million |
| South Coast Water District | California | $19.4 million |
| San Diego County Water Authority | California | $19.4 million |
| Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency | California | $18.9 million |
| Carpinteria Valley Water District | California | $18.4 million |

## Open opportunities

- [Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/r26as00079-title-xvi-water-reclamation-and-reuse-projects/), closes August 26, 2027