Friday, May 31 2013 10:40AM
New DOI grants will help 11 states improve their water infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner have extended $20.8 million in WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants from Reclamation to help communities in 11 states complete approximately 44 water projects.
The funds are designed to improve water infrastructure by using more energy-efficient pumping and water management mechanisms. The combined projects are expected to save more than 100,000 acre-feet of water each year, which would supply enough water for more than 400,000 people, the agency said.
"Throughout the West, we're seeing that drought, growing populations, energy demands and basic environmental needs are stressing our finite water and energy supplies," said DOI Secretary Sally Jewell. "These WaterSMART grants will help stretch water supplies and improve water and energy efficiencies in communities throughout the West to support sustainable uses of our limited resources."
Among the recipients is the Hoopa Valley Tribe in Northern California, which will use the funds to build more sustainable water delivery systems, pressurized pumps and infiltration galleries. The Southern Nevada Water Authority will also receive funding that will allow it to expand a water-saving rebate program to residents. Any saved water will remain in the Colorado River, which currently provides water system services to several states, including California and Arizona.
For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of the Interior