Department of the Interior announces funding for water conservation efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of the Interior announced that it has secured nearly $105 million in funding for 67 water conservation projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helped fund them. 

These projects are meant to enhance drought resilience across the country, the press release said.

“As we work to counter the impacts of drought and climate change, we must embrace opportunities to increase water and energy efficiency wherever possible,” said Camille Calimlim Touton, the reclamation commission for the Department of the Interior.

Utah will receive funding for 11 projects, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. They will take place across the Beehive State. 

Additionally, the press release said that 10 other states will receive funding. 

Combined, the projects aim to preserve more than 111,000 acre-feet of water each year.

“Access to clean, reliable water is essential for feeding families, growing crops, sustaining wildlife, and powering agricultural businesses,” said Laura Daniel-Davis, the acting deputy secretary for the Department of the Interior.

According to the press release, the anticipated water savings could give around 447,000 people water for a year.

The press release said that the new funding builds upon previous conservation efforts. Last year, $140 million was invested in energy efficiency and water conservation projects. 

Related: 

• Water conservation in your Utah garden
• Resolution asks municipalities to boost water conservation efforts
• Utah’s rivers could lose water at an alarming rate without conservation