WaterSMART: Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) program establishes a framework to provide Federal leadership and assistance on the efficient use of water, integrating water and energy policies to support the sustainable use of all natural resources, and coordinating the water conservation activities of various DOI bureaus and offices. Through the program, DOI is working to achieve a sustainable water strategy to meet the Nation’s water needs. The Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program (Title XVI) is an important part of WaterSMART. For purposes of the Title XVI program, a water reuse project is a project that reclaims and reuses municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater and naturally impaired groundwater and/or surface waters. Reclaimed water can be used for a variety of purposes, such as environmental restoration, fish and wildlife, groundwater recharge, municipal, domestic, industrial, agricultural, power generation, or recreation. Water reuse is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Title XVI projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. Title XVI projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water while promoting water and energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to invite applicants to submit proposals for the development of new Title XVI feasibility studies. Applicants must provide 50 percent non-Federal cost share for the proposed activity. Proposed activities should begin in FY 2012 and be completed by March 31, 2014. Under Title XVI of P.L. 102-575, Reclamation works to identify and investigate opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and naturally impaired ground and surface water in the 17 Western States and Hawaii. Title XVI also provides authority for Reclamation to provide up to 50 percent of the costs of studies to determine the feasibility of water reclamation and reuse projects. Prior to construction funding of any project authorized under Title XVI, Reclamation must determine that a feasibility study for the project complies with the provisions of Title XVI. Under this FOA, funding is being made available to assist project sponsors with the development of new Title XVI feasibility studies. For further information on the requirements of a Title XVI feasibility study, see Reclamation Manual Directive & Standard Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Feasibility Study Review Process (WTR 11-01), .