The Watershed Results Act would authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, to run up to five “watershed outcomes projects” (pilot programs) in Reclamation States. The program uses “advance watershed analytics”—a rigorous pre-investment technical analysis—to identify cost-effective conservation activities that can measurably improve water quantity, habitat, and water quality at a watershed scale. Eligible entities (including States, Tribes, irrigation or water districts, regional/local authorities with water/power delivery, other organizations with such authority, and NGOs) would propose partnerships, and the Secretary would select watershed partners to design analytics, implement activities, manage the partnership, and support pay-for-performance contracts that pay for verified outcomes. The act sets a federal funding cap (not more than 75% of project costs), authorizes $17 million annually for 2026–2031, and requires ongoing reporting to Congress. It also imposes strict data-protection and public-disclosure rules around analytics data and outcomes, and clarifies that the act does not alter existing water rights.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and approach: Establishes a pilot program using advance watershed analytics to cost-effectively design and implement watershed outcomes projects aimed at meaningful watershed-scale improvements.
- 2Proposals and partnerships: Eligible entities submit proposals; the Secretary selects watershed partners to perform analytics, implement projects, manage the partnership, and support pay-for-performance contracts.
- 3Pay-for-performance and outcomes: Qualifying activities must yield measurable outcomes (e.g., more surface/groundwater, improved habitat, or improved water quality). Payments to partners are tied to verified outcomes and performance standards.
- 4Financing and cost-sharing: Federal funding can cover up to 75% of project costs; non-Federal contributions are allowed and may be used to carry out activities; up to 50% of estimated project costs may be provided to cover project development costs.
- 5Term and structure: Partnership agreements can run up to 5 years (renewable for up to 5 more years; extensions up to 2 years). The act caps the total number of watershed outcomes projects at five.
- 6Duties and governance: Watershed partners must prepare a funding/implementation strategy, recruit and verify qualifying activities, set outcome prices, monitor progress, and provide documentation and accounting. The Secretary must verify analytics, publish price tables and performance standards, provide financial assistance to purchase outcomes, and coordinate with other federal agencies.
- 7Required outcomes: Activities must produce quantifiable benefits such as increased water or groundwater, improved aquatic habitat, or water quality improvements (including reductions in salinity, nutrients, or sediments).
- 8Data and confidentiality: Analytics data related to project planning are treated as confidential commercial information and protected from disclosure to protect privacy and competitive information; data restrictions apply to watershed partners as well.
- 9Oversight and reporting: Annual briefings/reports to Congress on status and payments; a comprehensive 5-year report with recommendations on continuing or permanent authorization.
- 10Rights and limitations: The act does not modify or supersede Federal or State water rights.