DOI grant recipients include the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which will receive $300,000 to expand an existing landscape rebate program that provides financial incentives for residential property owners to replace turf with water efficient landscaping. The project will save approximately 448 acre-feet per year, and water conserved will contribute to existing water banks in California, Arizona and southern Nevada.

The Interior Department (DOI) has allocated $20.8 million in WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for 44 water reclamation projects in 11 states.

"We're seeing that drought, growing populations, energy demands and basic environmental needs are stressing our finite water and energy supplies," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a May 22 statement. "These WaterSMART grants will help stretch water supplies and improve water and energy efficiencies in communities throughout the West."

The DOI's water reclamation bureau estimates that together the 44 projects could save more than 100,000 acre-feet of water annually - enough for more than 400,000 people. Through reduced pumping and the addition of more efficient equipment, these projects are anticipated to save 10.8 million kilowatt-hours annually - enough energy to power nearly 1,000 households.

Entities eligible for funding included states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts or other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the 17 western states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands.

Proposals were ranked through a published set of criteria, in which points were awarded for projects that conserve water, incorporate renewable energy, contribute to water supply sustainability, or address Endangered Species Act concerns.

For a complete list of projects, visit usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg.