USGS Releases New Funding Opportunities for Water Resource Research

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released two new funding opportunities aimed at advancing research on pressing water resource challenges. These calls support studies on PFAS in water systems, the economic value of the national streamgage network, and model advancement and machine learning integration. Each opportunity offers researchers the chance to generate critical science that informs management decisions and strengthens the nation’s water resource resilience.

Please note that California proposals must be submitted through the California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) per the USGS Water Resources Research Act Program. If interested in applying, please contact CIWR and allow additional time for CIWR review. 

Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Grants

Funding Opportunity Number: G25AS00484
Research Priorities:

• Media-specific methods: Improved PFAS detection in tissues/plasma, sediment, air/interfaces, and water; includes NTA, suspect screening, surrogates, and lower detection levels aligned with EPA guidelines.
• Atmospheric sources: Understanding PFAS atmospheric exchange, transport, and impact on receiving waters.
• Process-oriented research: Molecular-level studies on PFAS precursor transformation, sorption, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, and mitigation modeling/forecasting.

Award Ceiling: $309,000 (Project budgets limited to $299,730 as CIWR includes a 3% administrative fee.)
Cost Sharing Required: 1:1
Due date: 09/30/2025, 2pm PT

National Competitive (104g) Grants

Funding Opportunity Number: G25AS00485
Research Priorities:

• Economic Value of Streamgage Network: Research should assess the economic costs and benefits of the USGS streamgage network and NWIS, focusing on market and non-market values.
• Model Advancement & Machine Learning Integration: Projects should develop advanced hydrologic models, using AI and machine learning to harmonize water data, predict groundwater/baseflow, and strengthen causal modeling.

Award Ceiling: $310,000 (Project budgets limited to $300,700 as CIWR includes a 3% administrative fee.)
Cost Sharing Required: 1:1
Due date: 09/30/2025, 2pm PT