The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.
The grant program aims to support the planning, design, and/or construction of seawater and brackish water desalination projects, under the authority of the Water Desalination Act of 1996 and as amended by the WIIN Act. These desalination projects are critical for stretching limited water supplies in the Western United States by developing and supplementing municipal and irrigation water supplies through the treatment of ocean or brackish water. The initiative seeks to provide local water supply solutions, enhance flexibility during water shortages, and diversify water supply portfolios. Moreover, it aligns with priorities for tackling the climate crisis and advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities, thereby making water supplies more reliable and supporting sustainable development.