The federal government has awarded more than $15 million to water reclamation and reuse projects in California and New Mexico.
The Interior Department announced the funding Tuesday. The money comes from the department's WaterSMART program and can be used for planning, design and construction.
In New Mexico, nearly $1.9 million was awarded for the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area Water Reclamation and Reuse Project, which calls for expanding the treatment system at the Southside Water Reclamation Plant.
Officials say 2,500 acre-feet of water are expected to be saved annually in addition to 3,000 acre-feet of reclaimed water that will be produced by other components of the project.
Since 2010, the WaterSMART program has provided more than $139 million in funding to cities, tribes, water districts and universities.