Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, National Ground-Water Monitoring Network

Background
The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program of the USGS is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity to States, federally recognized Native American Tribal governments, or local water-resources agencies that collect groundwater data to participate in the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN). This initiative aims to develop and administer the NGWMN, which supports data providers in maintaining persistent data services and enhancing groundwater monitoring efforts. The legal authority for this funding opportunity is provided under Public Law 111-11, Subtitle F—Secure Water: Section 9507 'Water Data Enhancement by the United States Geological Survey,' as amended in 2024 by Public Law 118-174.

Grant Details
The funding available for this program announcement is expected to be up to $900,000 for Federal FY2026. Individual applications are restricted to a funding level of $150,000 for a one-year project or $300,000 for a two-year project. Funding for routine work under Objective 2A is limited to $20,000 per year; however, agencies serving more than 500 sites can apply for up to $40,000 per year. The objectives supported include:

1. Support to become a new data provider: Agencies will select and classify sites from their existing networks for inclusion in the NGWMN and provide data through web services.

2. Support persistent data service from existing data providers: Maintain web services and update site information.

3. Filling gaps in information at NGWMN sites: Collect metadata to fill gaps.

4. Site maintenance: Perform maintenance work on wells or springs.

5. Well drilling: Install new wells or replace existing ones.

6. Purchase of equipment to support continuous water-level data collection.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, and Federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Federal agencies are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be involved in groundwater data collection and may need to coordinate with local USGS Water Science Centers.

Period of Performance
Work performance under these awards must be completed within a two-year cycle from the start date, which will be determined once funding is appropriated.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is expected to be up to $900,000 with individual awards capped at $300,000 for two-year projects.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic locations where the grant activities will take place involve States and local water-resource agencies across the United States.