On April 21, 2023, DOI announced the release of $140 million in investments for water conservation and efficiency projects. The investments are part of the Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda, and aim to enhance the resilience of Western states against the impacts of drought and climate change.
The funding will be used for 84 projects in 15 different Western states, which will contribute to the conservation of 230,000 acre-feet of water, when completed, equivalent to enough water for more than 940,000 people. Combined funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and section 50233 of the IRA will be used to update water delivery systems, purification, and reuse techniques; build water storage capacities; and also support rural water projects.
12 projects located in the Colorado River Basin are set to receive more than $20 million in federal funding. 32 projects based in California were also selected and can expect to receive $46.7 million in federal funding. These projects, once completed, will promote water conservation, improve water efficiency, and also prevent the drop of reservoir levels to critically low elevations, which may impact both water and power supply.