The Bureau of Reclamation's Drought Response Program June 19, 2026 By Katelyn McLaughlin Funding, Sustainability drought, funding, water resilience 0 The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Drought Response Program helps communities take a proactive approach to drought by funding projects that strengthen long-term water resilience. The program supports a wide range of efforts, including infrastructure improvements to increase storage and distribution capacity, diversification of water supplies, development of management tools, and comprehensive drought planning. A key component of the program is support for drought contingency planning, which helps water systems better understand and prepare for future drought conditions. These planning efforts guide communities through identifying early warning signs of drought, assessing hydrologic risks and uncertainties, evaluating potential impacts, and determining actions to reduce vulnerability. The process is designed to be collaborative and inclusive, bringing together municipal, agricultural, environmental, and other stakeholders to develop practical, locally driven solutions. The program also funds drought resiliency projects that implement these plans through on-the-ground improvements. Eligible projects include infrastructure upgrades such as new conveyance systems, expanded storage, and modified intake structures, as well as the development of decision-support tools like drought forecasting systems and enhanced water monitoring equipment. In addition, under separate authorities, emergency response actions may be supported during acute drought events, including temporary water supply solutions and short-term construction activities to reduce immediate impacts. In addition to long-term resiliency projects, the program can also fund short-term emergency response actions for unexpected drought conditions. Currently, a funding opportunity is open through July 28, 2026, offering support for both drought contingency planning and on-the-ground resilience projects, as part of ongoing federal investments to help water systems better prepare for and respond to drought challenges. Resources: Drought Response Program Fact Sheet Drought Response Program Framework Drought Resiliency Projects vs. Small Storage Program For More Information: For additional information on the Drought Response Program, please contact Ms. Shelbie Neff at sneff@usbr.gov If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and submit an inquiry request for the appropriate program You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation Comments are closed.