Western states receive $142 million for water projects under infrastructure law
(UI) — Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis announced a $142 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance drought resilience and boost water supplies across the nation.
This funding, part of the Investing in America agenda, aims to provide about 40,000 acre-feet of annual recycled water, supporting over 160,000 people annually.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda marks the largest investment in climate resilience in U.S. history, focusing on improving Western communities' resilience to drought and climate change. The Bureau of Reclamation will allocate $8.3 billion over five years for various water infrastructure projects, including rural water, water storage, conservation, nature-based solutions, dam safety, water purification and reuse, and desalination. Since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was enacted in November 2021, over $4.1 billion has been committed to more than 537 projects.
During a tour of the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, which will receive $30 million to enhance water reclamation at the Advanced Purified Water Facility, Acting Deputy Secretary Daniel-Davis highlighted the administration's efforts. “We are mobilizing resources to minimize the impacts of climate-fueled drought and develop long-term resilience plans,” she stated. “Access to clean and reliable water is crucial for families, agriculture, wildlife, and economic opportunities.”
Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton emphasized the importance of developing water sources for resilience. “This funding through Reclamation’s water recycling and desalination programs helps partners develop new water supplies through advanced treatment processes,” she said.
Water Recycling Projects Approximately $85 million will be allocated to six water recycling projects in California, Hawaii, Kansas, Nevada, and Texas. These projects focus on reclaiming and reusing wastewater and impaired ground and surface water, with funds available for planning, design, and construction in collaboration with local governments.
Desalination Projects Another $57.5 million will fund four desalination projects in southern California, aimed at increasing water management flexibility by treating seawater or brackish water.
These projects are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations. For a complete list of projects, visit the Bureau of Reclamation’s website.
This announcement follows a previous allocation of $179 million for large-scale water recycling projects, which help communities develop local, drought-resistant water supplies by transforming unusable water sources into clean, reliable ones. Launched in 2023, Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program encourages larger conservation projects without a cap on project size, significantly aiding in the development of drought-resistant local water supplies.
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