Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants

The Basin Account funds water activities from a basin roundtable. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Basin Account to ensure the Threshold Criteria are met. Please see the Criteria & Guidelines under "How Do I Apply" for details.

Please Note: To provide stability to the WSRF grant program, starting on July 1, 2022, the Statewide Account (previously used for match) will now be operated by CWCB as a savings account which will be used to fill up each basin's annual distribution and help reduce the impacts of severance tax variability which has had no disbursement to WSRF in recent years. Balances held in the statewide account act to provide a reservoir of funds which can make annual releases to the Basin Account. 

Please visit our PEPO grants page to learn more about PEPO and statewide initiative grant opportunities. 

PEPO Grant Guidelines

Who can apply?

Eligible entities that may apply for grants or loans from the Program include: ­

• Governmental Entities – municipalities, special, water and sanitation, conservancy, conservations, irrigation and water activity enterprises, counties and State of Colorado agencies. Federal agencies are encouraged to work with local entities. Covered Entities as defined by Section 37-60-126, C.R.S., are eligible IF the applicant has adopted a CWCB approved Water Efficiency Plan ­
• Private Entities – mutual ditch companies, non-profit corporations, individuals and partnerships, etc. ­

How can the money be used?

Eligible water activities include a broad range of activities such as: ­

• Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; ­
• Studies or analysis of structural, programmatic, consumptive and non-consumptive water projects or activities;
• Design of structural projects or activities. Infrastructure replacement or maintenance projects
• Activities that promote education, education, outreach, and innovation consistent with the mission and goals of the Colorado Water Plan.

How do I apply?

1. Review the Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Program 2022 Grant Guidelines or the PEPO 2022 Grant Guidelines
2. Obtain approval from the basin roundtable in which your activity will occur. Meeting dates and contact information are available on the various basin roundtable pages.
3. Submit the Grant Application form (Word), statement of work, budget and schedule via email to Water Supply Planning. Electronic applications can be emailed to Ben Wade:

Please review the statement of work template (Exhibit A) and appendices with reference information (Word) and Budget schedule (Exhibit B) (Excel).

Work with CWCB staff to address any issues or additional needs prior to CWCB Board review.

When is the deadline to apply?

Prior to applying to the CWCB, the applicant must have the approval of the basin roundtable in which the activity will occur. See the basin roundtables page for details about upcoming meeting dates and contact information. A complete, detailed application, including letter from the respective basin roundtable, statement of work, budget, schedule, and maps must be received by the CWCB no later than the first of the month, three months prior to the bimonthly CWCB meeting at which the application will be considered for funding. For example, applications for the March CWCB meeting are due December 1st.

What is the approval process after I have submitted an application?

After approval from the basin roundtable has been granted, CWCB staff review all eligible applications and provide a written recommendation to the CWCB Board at its bi-monthly Board meeting. The CWCB Board evaluates the application and makes a funding decision. Allocation of funds is dependent on the availability of funds and an evaluation of the merits of the proposed water activity. The merits of the proposed water activity are based on how well a proposal meets the criteria outlined in the Grant Guidelines. Successful applicants are expected to execute a contract with the CWCB within 6 months from approval.