In March 2024, the Biden-Harris administration asked states to work with federal agencies and water and wastewater utilities to reduce cyber risk. The call centered on coordination, identifying vulnerabilities, and planning mitigations—not a new cybersecurity product or a universal rule announced for every water system.
What did the White House ask states to do about water cybersecurity?
On March 18, 2024, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sent governors a letter describing cyber risks to water and wastewater systems and asking states to partner with the federal government and utilities. The letter said these systems can be attractive targets while often lacking the resources and technical capacity for rigorous cybersecurity practices. Read the letter to governors.
The next day, EPA announced an invitation to state environmental, health, and homeland security officials for a virtual convening on March 21. Its purpose was to discuss federal and state efforts, identify priority gaps, and emphasize the need for action by states and utilities. EPA’s March 19 announcement quoted Regan saying many systems had not adopted important practices to thwart cyberattacks.
EPA’s March 25 readout reported that Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger and EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe met with state and local officials on March 21. The discussion addressed state action, collaboration, and strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities. This sequence matters: the letter requested partnership, the announcement invited officials to meet, and the later readout summarized that meeting. Read EPA’s meeting readout.
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Why are water and wastewater systems targets for cyberattacks?
Water utilities operate technology that monitors and controls essential processes, including treatment and distribution. A cyber incident can therefore threaten not only data or office networks but also the systems used to manage physical operations. EPA warns that an unauthorized person could exploit an unsecured human-machine interface (HMI)—the interface operators use to monitor or adjust equipment—to view or change real-time settings and potentially disrupt treatment. EPA’s water-sector cybersecurity resources describe this operational risk.
The March 18 letter cited two kinds of activity. It said Iranian-government-affiliated actors had targeted water-system operational technology where a default manufacturer password had not been changed. It also discussed Volt Typhoon’s compromise of information technology in critical-infrastructure sectors, including drinking water. These are threat descriptions attributed to the letter, not a claim that every utility has been compromised. The letter to governors provides the administration’s account.
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- Breakthrough 1804 ft Connectivity: Engineered with advanced Sub-1G long-range wireless tech, our leak detector maintains robust signals over unprecedented distances—reaching up to 1804 feet even through 5 dense walls. Secure every critical space in expansive properties, from deep basements to detached garages and distant outbuildings.
- Multiple Reminder Methods: Our water leak sensor supports multiple remote alarm. It can instantly send SMS, APP, and Email notifications to your phone (no matter how many times the SMS is used, it's free). Also, the water leak sensor flashes red and sounds a 105 dB alarm. Perfect for the basement, kitchen, or vacation home!
- Feature-Rich App: Receive instant push notifications. Use the “Find Device” feature to quickly trigger audible beeps to retrieve misplaced sensors. Add multiple email addresses through the APP, and your family and friends can also receive reminders when there is a water leak at home.
- Industry Leading IP67 Waterproof: Its IP67 waterproof rating ensures durability against spills, humidity, and accidental submersion.It can be used multiple times after wiping dry.
- Four-level volume adjustment: Customize your own alarm to fit your life! Use the app to adjust the volume in 4 levels, with a maximum alarm volume of 105 decibels. Whether it's day or night, whether it's in the bedroom or the basement, you can find the right volume.
What cybersecurity resources are available to water utilities?
Federal support described in the official materials includes guidance, practical actions, assessments, training, and technical assistance. Utilities can start with the following agency resources:
- EPA cybersecurity resources for the water sector: information and tools focused on water and wastewater systems.
- CISA, EPA, and FBI practical actions for water and wastewater systems: agency recommendations published February 21, 2024.
- EPA’s May 20, 2024 enforcement alert: guidance for community drinking water systems on cybersecurity threats and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance. EPA said it and CISA would continue to offer guidance, tools, training, resources, and technical assistance.
A White House Office of the National Cyber Director fact sheet also identified state revolving funds as possible financing channels for cybersecurity-related work and described the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. The fact sheet said the program provided $1 billion over four years under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; that is the fact sheet’s stated program scope, not confirmation that funds remain available now. Check current eligibility, application status, and permitted uses with the relevant agencies before planning around funding. Read the fact sheet, last updated June 21, 2024.
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Later developments should be treated as context, not as part of the March 2024 announcement. EPA’s 2025 water-sector task force report contains recommendations; publication of recommendations does not establish that they were all adopted or implemented. See EPA’s task force report and materials.
Does this announcement create a new cybersecurity requirement for every water system?
No new universal requirement was announced in the March 2024 call itself. It was a request for state partnership and coordinated risk reduction, not a regulation imposing an identical new standard on every water or wastewater utility.
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That distinction does not mean utilities have no existing obligations. EPA’s May 2024 enforcement alert addressed cybersecurity threats and compliance concerns for community drinking water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Its scope should not be generalized into a new rule for all wastewater systems. Utilities should consult EPA and their state drinking-water primacy agency about requirements applicable to their system and circumstances. For broader policy context, the Government Accountability Office’s 2024 page on EPA’s water-sector strategy discusses federal oversight and coordination.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the state-level approach means in practice
The administration’s approach connected state officials with utilities and federal partners because system risks and resources differ. A useful starting point for a state or utility is to identify operational technology and remote access points, review whether default credentials remain in use, and use agency guidance to assess gaps and prioritize mitigations. The cited materials offer resources and assistance, but they do not endorse a particular vendor or consumer cybersecurity product.
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