OR Water Project Grants

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) offers Water Project Grants to support local governments, tribes, and individuals in developing water projects with economic, environmental, and social benefits. Eligible projects must include a 25% cost match and can focus on conservation, storage, and water distribution.

OWRD encourages prospective applicants to participate in a Pre-Application Conference prior to submitting an application for funding. The purpose of a Pre-Application Conference is to answer questions, identify additional information needed or issues with project eligibility, and connect applicants to other resources. To discuss a project with OWRD staff or to schedule a pre-application conference, please contact the Grant Coordinator.
Public Comment Opportunity
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) invites written public comment on the Technical Review Team (TRT) application ranking and funding recommendations for the second 2024 cycle of Water Project Grants. OWRD will present the TRT funding recommendations, and any public comments received, to the Water Resources Commission for its funding decision on December 12-13, 2024.
Water Project Grants and Loans
This program provides grants for water projects to evaluate, plan, and develop instream and out-of-stream water projects that have economic, environmental and social/cultural benefits. Projects must provide benefits in each of these three categories to be eligible for funding.This competitive funding opportunity is meant for implementation-ready projects. Eligible projects include: conservation, reuse, above-ground storage, below-ground storage, streamflow protection or restoration, water distribution, conveyance or delivery systems, and other water resource development projects that result in economic, environmental, and social/cultural public benefits.
Grants require a 25% cost match.
Available Funding
Funding for Water Project Grants and Loans is provided through the sale of lottery revenue bonds. OWRD anticipates having approximately $2M available for the first 2026 funding cycle pending a spring 2026 lottery revenue bond sale.
Application materials and guidance from the previous funding cycle are available for review on the Applications, Forms and Guidance page.

Eligibility

Any local government, Indian tribe, or person may apply for funding.
If an applicant or co-applicant is required to have a Water Management and Conservation Plan (WMCP), the plan must be submitted to the Water Resources Department and receive approval prior to the application due date.