Strategic Water Supply Grant

A research and development project involves developing innovative technologies and processes to improve brackish water treatment methods. It can include research to develop a device, equipment, process, or technology aimed at expanding the understanding of new brackish water treatment methods, infrastructure, and management. Research should focus on advancing innovative technologies or methodologies toward practical use. These projects should have a realistic potential to scale up to full implementation, thereby contributing to increased availability of freshwater resources within the state. While research and development/demonstration projects can address specific needs, their primary purpose is not to evaluate individual projects; instead, their outcomes should have broader applicability and impact. 

A feasibility study assesses the viability of a potential brackish water project, evaluates alternative solutions to achieve the project objectives, and determines the most suitable/preferred option for further action or investment. Feasibility studies can address several key areas to determine project viability, including technical feasibility, economic/financial feasibility, operational feasibility, and legal/regulatory feasibility. Feasibility studies should aim to advance planning to a stage where design, construction, or implementation of a brackish water treatment facility or project can commence. Additionally, environmental documentation or specialized studies needed for permit approval could be included as part of the feasibility study, or as a stand-alone environmental documentation project (See below).  

A planning and design project involves creating a small-scale prototype of a full-scale brackish water treatment project or its components. Its purpose is to refine design criteria, assist in site selection, evaluate specific technologies or methodologies—whether standard or innovative—for implementing a full-scale brackish water treatment facility or project, and demonstrate the prototype system can achieve the treatment objectives. Key elements or components of a design pilot can include constructing or fabricating facilities and treatment approaches, testing equipment and components in various configurations, and analyzing and reporting collected data.  

An environmental documentation project is a stand-alone project to demonstrate compliance with state or federal regulations, such as the New Mexico Water Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), or other state or federal documentation required for fulfilling permit application requirements. Activities can include funding environmental impact assessments and testing and evaluation needed to meet permitting requirements.  A basic feasibility study should already have been completed and there should be a reasonable expectation of project initiation.  

A construction project includes the planning, design, development, or expansion of a full-scale brackish water treatment facility along with related infrastructure. Projects can include new construction, expansion of existing facilities, or replacements of major components that have reached the end of their useful life (e.g. operations and maintenance). Funding for design work may be included in the project budget; however, design alone will not be funded as a stand-alone construction project. Construction projects should have a completed feasibility study or facility plan, and the permitting and design should either be ready to proceed or already underway.