Water Conservation Field Services Program

The Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) was established by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1996 to proactively encourage water conservation in the operations of recipients of water from Federal water projects and to assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982. The WCFSP is managed by each of Reclamation's regional offices and implemented at the local level through Reclamation's area offices to address Reclamation-wide water conservation priorities and to meet local goals. Funding is used to make cost-shared financial assistance available on a competitive basis at the area and regional office levels, as well as for technical assistance from Reclamation staff. Funding may be used to develop water conservation plans, identify water management improvements through System Optimization Reviews, design water management improvements, and to improve application of water conservation technologies through demonstration activities.

Technical Assistance:

Technical assistance involves water districts and other entities working directly with Reclamation staff to address water management issues. Technical assistance includes water conservation planning for improved canal operation and diversion works, improved or innovative water measurement, delivery, distribution, and urban conservation retrofit programs.

Financial Assistance:

Financial assistance is provided through a cost-share grant process, with funding areas focused on water management planning. Current funding opportunities are posted on Grants.gov (Assistance Listing 15.530); check the program page and your regional Reclamation office for the latest solicitation.

• Develop or Update Water Management and Conservation Plan

• System Optimization Review (SOR): assesses the potential for water management improvements and identifies a plan of action to enhance water management (may include SCADA and automation to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage).

• Design of Water Management Improvements: funds the design of identified improvement projects (e.g., pipelines, canal lining, water measurement structures) following prior planning efforts. Further engineering and construction may be eligible under WaterSMART Grants.

• Demonstration of Conservation Technologies: supports demonstration of new or innovative technologies (e.g., improved water measurement, automation and telemetry, approaches to minimizing canal/ditch seepage, on-farm irrigation management, low water-usage landscape).

The program is administered locally by regional Bureau of Reclamation offices. Find currently available grants at grants.gov using the CFDA code 15.530.

For more information regarding the Water Conservation Field Services Program, please contact Sheri Looper.