April 26, 2024

A Marin Water project to improve the accuracy of water forecasting and real-time water management operations is getting a boost thanks to a federal grant program tied to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. 

Announced April 17, 2024, the Bureau of Reclamation’s applied science projects grants will invest $13.3 million in 51 projects in 12 states – including 18 distinct projects in California. 

Marin Water’s project, a water supply modeling initiative that involves software upgrades and analysis of algorithmic strategies to inform near-term operational decisions, will receive $150,628 – about half of the project’s overall cost. Coming on the heels of a local water supply emergency and statewide drought, Marin Water’s modeling initiative will improve the District’s water supply resilience in the face of ongoing threats from climate change. 

The Bureau of Reclamation’s science project grants are funded with $8.1 million from the Bureau’s Basin Study Program, as well as $5.1 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects that improve nature-based features. 

"These grants support improved water management tools that will allow water managers to make more informed decisions, especially in terms of managing through drought and climate change,” said Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. “It’s especially promising to see all of the partnerships formed between universities and communities to tackle some of these scientific projects.”