Drinking Water Alert Issue Nationwide

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a nationwide alert urging water treatment facilities to take immediate steps to bolster cybersecurity measures. This comes after inspections revealed concerning vulnerabilities in many systems across the country.

While there is no current do not drink advisory in effect, the EPA is highlighting the potential dangers of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. The agency found that over 70% of inspected water systems have shortcomings in complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Furthermore, some systems were found to have weak cybersecurity practices, such as using default passwords or having single points of access that could be easily compromised.

This is not the first time concerns about cyber threats to water systems have been raised. In March of this year, the White House and EPA jointly warned governors about potential attacks from Iranian government actors.

The EPA doesn't issue advisories for specific locations. Contact your local water authority or municipality for any updates or concerns specific to your area.

It's always a good idea to have a stockpile of bottled water on hand in case of emergencies. The CDC recommends having at least a 3-day supply for drinking and cooking.

 Follow updates from reputable sources like the EPA and your local water authority.

The EPA's enforcement alert is a call to action for water treatment facilities to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. The agency is outlining steps facilities can take to improve compliance with regulations and mitigate cyber threats. This is an ongoing effort, and continued vigilance is necessary to safeguard our critical water infrastructure.