USGS Water Use Data and Research Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 2024

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced a two-year grant opportunity through its Water Availability and Use Science Program (WAUSP). This grant, named the Water Use Data and Research (WUDR) Program, is offered to State water resource agencies engaged in water-use data collection. The purpose of the funding is to bolster the process of gathering and reporting water-use data for the WUDR program, in accordance with the Department of Interior's priorities.

The legal backing for this opportunity is provided under Public Law 111-11, specifically Subtitle F—SECURE Water: Section 9508 "National Water Availability and Use Assessment Program". The grant is intended to augment the quality, compatibility, and accessibility of water-use data collected or estimated by States. In compliance with the Act, the grant mandate requires the recipient agencies to make the resultant water-use or availability data, machine-readable and easily integrated with existing data sets maintained by the USGS.

The USGS National Water Use Science Project employs various scientific methods to comprehend the nation's water use. Since 1950, the USGS has provided national water-use reports every five years. These reports, with a mix of historical and current data, delineate how water is used across different categories. This is essential to understanding the factors influencing availability, quality, timing, and usage of water resources which are crucial in meeting national water requirements.

Financial assistance from the WUDR cooperative agreements aids State agencies to assemble vital water-use information. This collective knowledge is instrumental for water managers and the public, assisting in understanding the distinctive uses of water (like irrigation or public supply). Additionally, the WUDR program aligns with the Department of the Interior's priorities, enabling water managers, particularly State Water Resource Agencies, to monitor conditions and circumvent potential future water conflicts arising from environmental changes.

The USGS National Water Use Science Project operates in Water Science Centers dispersed across all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. Collaborations with state and Federal agencies, tribes, water authorities, local communities, corporations, academia and the private sector make possible the collection of water-use data in these areas. Strong partnerships are fostered through combined efforts in data collection, scientific research, and interpretive reports. These cooperative agreements facilitate enhancement of water-use data collection, quality, and distribution, whilst simultaneously improving dialogue with State natural resource offices and water authorities. Past projects funded by this program serve as successful examples, indicating the impact and importance of the USGS Water-Use Data and Research Program.