The Department seeks to build partnerships and incentivize Oregonians to pursue integrated and innovative solutions for complex water challenges and an uncertain water future. This work is accomplished through strategic investments, adaptive planning, cooperative partnerships, accessible information, and effective coordination. We have a number of funding opportunities that allow us to strategically invest in order to achieve a secure and sustainable water future, addressing instream and out-of-stream needs, for all Oregonians and Oregon's environment, economy, communities, and cultures. Learn more about our funding opportunities below.
Public Comment Opportunity
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) invites written public comment on grant applications received for the 2023 cycle of Water Project Grants and Loans. OWRD received ten complete grant applications requesting a total of $28,987,945 in funding.
A multi-agency Technical Review Team (TRT) will consider public comments submitted in their evaluation of applications. The TRT will evaluate applications and make a funding recommendation to the Water Resources Commission. OWRD will post the TRT funding recommendation for an additional public comment period in late summer. The tentative date for the Commission to make its funding decision is November 16-17, 2023.
Written comments on the applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on July 25, 2023.
Please submit comments to: OWRD.Grants@water.oregon.gov or Grant Coordinator, 725 Summer Street NE, Suite A, Salem, Oregon 97301.
Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replcement Fund
OWRD is currently accepting applications from low-to-moderate income households with domestic wells that are impacted by drought or wildfire. The Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund (WARRF) will reimburse qualifying homeowners for the cost to abandon, repair, or replace a dry or severely declining well. The dry or severely declining well must have provided household water for individual households, or members of a federally recognized tribe in Oregon.
Applications will be accepted year-round, depending on availability of funds.
Please see our website for the most current information.
Planning Grants
The Department is a funding partner in four places that are taking a collaborative, integrated approach to water planning. There is no funding currently available to support new water planning efforts. The Department is a funding partner in four places that are taking a collaborative, integrated approach to water planning. There is no funding currently available to support new water planning efforts.
Learn more about Planning Grants
Feasibility Study GrantsFeasibility Study Grants reimburse up to 50 percent of the costs of studies to evaluate the feasibility of developing water conservation, reuse, and storage projects. This competitive funding opportunity helps individuals and communities investigate whether a proposed project idea is actually feasible and worth pursuing. Grants are offered on an annual basis, with applications due each fall.
Learn more about Feasibility Study Grants
Water Project Grants & Loans
Water Project Grants and Loans provides funding for projects that will help Oregon meet its instream and out-of-stream water supply needs and produce economic, environmental, and social/cultural benefits. This competitive funding opportunity is meant for implementation-ready projects. Grants and loans are offered on an annual basis, with the applications due each spring.
Learn more about applying for Water Project Grants and Loans.