H.R. 338 — Every Drop Counts Act

This section revises eligibility criteria for projects under the Bureau of Reclamation's competitive grant program for small water storage and groundwater storage projects. It expands eligible projects to include, in addition to those with surface water or groundwater storage capacity of 200 to 30,000 acre-feet that increase storage or convey water to or from storage (unchanged), a new category of projects with average annual recharge capacity of 200 to 150,000 acre-feet over the project life that increase groundwater aquifer storage, convey or recover water to or from groundwater storage, or stabilize groundwater levels. The section also increases from 5 to 10 the maximum number of projects for which the Secretary may provide grants.

This section provides that the amendment made by section 2 shall not be construed (1) to supersede or affect State water law, Federal water law, interstate compacts, or treaty obligations; (2) to authorize Federal acquisition of water; or (3) to supersede or infringe on water rights.