WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has announced $1.8 million in grants to water districts for 10 projects to improve delivery systems in four states, including Utah.

The Weber Basin Water Conservation District will receive $272,000 to help improve its overall system.

The Weber district will analyze conservation and water marketing opportunities including canal lining, installation of meters on irrigation water distribution systems, system automation, installation of new pressured piping, new ground water recharge possibilities and other system efficiency improvements.

The total project cost is $567,884, including the Water 2025 contribution.

The Duchesne County Water Conservancy District also received some funding. It will examine and test for benefits to operating on a basinwide basis, rather than as individual facilities. The total project cost is $357,825, including a Water 2025 contribution of $167,825.

Water districts in California, New Mexico and Oregon also received funding.

Granted under the Bureau of Reclamation's Water 2025 program, the "System Optimization Review Grants" will assist water districts and other water management entities by providing a broad look at their water delivery system operations. The grants will also enable water districts to develop a plan of action focused on improving efficiency and operations on a regional and/or basin perspective.

In the future, all Water 2025 grant opportunities will be part of the Department of the Interior's Water for America, an initiative focused on addressing 21st century water challenges and security water resources for future generations. For more information on Water 2025, go to www.usbr.gov/water2025.