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 focuses on supporting large-scale water recycling projects through the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program. It aims to encourage local water agencies to pursue projects that reclaim and reuse water, helping stretch limited water supplies, mitigate water scarcity, and diversify water resources. The program promotes the development of new, sustainable water sources for urban and irrigation purposes, improving water management efficiency and reliability. This approach is seen as essential for providing drought-resistant, locally sourced water supplies. Financial and technical assistance is provided, covering up to 25% of project costs, targeting projects with total costs of $500 million or more. These initiatives are aligned with broader federal priorities on climate change mitigation and advancing racial equity, as outlined in specific Presidential Executive Orders.