The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week the release of new and updated planning tools designed to significantly enhance the cyber resilience and overall security of public water systems nationwide.
These resources aim to help utilities prevent, respond to, and recover from the growing threat of cyberattacks, which pose a risk to the nation’s access to safe water and, by extension, to national security.
A Critical National Security Concern
The EPA’s initiative underscores the critical role of cybersecurity in maintaining the functionality of the U.S. water sector.
EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer emphasized this point, stating, “Strengthening cybersecurity for the U.S. water sector is critically important because cyber resilience and water security are key to national security… Guarding against cyberattacks is central to this mission.”
Water systems across the country have seen a several-fold increase in cyberattacks in recent years, which can disrupt water quality, potentially contaminating drinking water, or compromising wastewater treatment operations. These new tools are part of the EPA’s commitment to advancing the Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative and ensuring every American has access to clean and safe water.
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Key Tools Released to Strengthen Defenses
To address potential vulnerabilities and equip utilities with the best available information and emergency safeguards, the EPA has developed several key resources:
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Guide for Wastewater Utilities: An updated guide outlining strategies, resources, plans, and procedures for utilities to prepare for and respond to any incident—natural or man-made—that threatens life, property, or the environment.
- Template for Developing an Incident Response Plan: A new template specifically for drinking water and wastewater systems to develop a comprehensive Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (CIRP).
- Incident Action Checklists: Two new checklists, requested by the water sector, to assist drinking water utilities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from specific emergencies such as wildfires, power outages, floods, and cybersecurity incidents.
- Cybersecurity Procurement Checklist: This tool will help water and wastewater utilities incorporate cybersecurity into their procurement process. It allows utilities to generally assess the cybersecurity practices of suppliers, including vendors and manufacturers, and their products during purchasing.
Collaboration and Ongoing Efforts
The EPA views cybersecurity for critical infrastructure as a priority for both human health and national security. The agency will continue its core mission by collaborating with key partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), state programs, and water associations, to help reduce cyber risks.
The goal is to work with water systems to implement best management practices and swiftly address any cybersecurity concerns as they arise.
This week’s release builds on earlier efforts, including a previous announcement of over $9 million in grant funding for midsize and large water systems to protect drinking water from cyber threats and improve resiliency for extreme weather events. The agency also previously published a report detailing ten recommendations to strengthen resiliency to cyberattacks in the water sector.
Clean and safe water is deemed central to strengthening the American workforce, powering industries from auto manufacturing to Artificial Intelligence, and advancing energy dominance, as well as supporting vital community institutions like hospitals, schools, and military bases.
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