Cybersecurity and Water

Cybersecurity and Water: Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource

In October 2024, American Water Works Company, one of the largest water utilities in the U.S., fell victim to a cyberattack that disrupted its billing systems. While the company acted swiftly to contain the breach and ensure that water and wastewater services were not affected, the incident is a stark reminder of the growing cyber threats facing critical infrastructure.

Water is not just another utility—it is the most valuable resource we have. Here in the Texas Panhandle, we understand this better than most. Our region has long grappled with the challenges of water scarcity, relying heavily on the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation, drinking water, and industry. Without secure and reliable access to water, communities and economies cannot thrive. This is why protecting the systems that manage and deliver this resource must be a top priority.

The cyberattack on American Water Works highlights a troubling reality: the water sector remains highly vulnerable to cyber threats. The White House has previously emphasized concerns about the security of the nation's 170,000 water systems, warning that a successful attack could have devastating consequences. While federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have pushed for stronger security measures, much of the industry’s cybersecurity efforts remain voluntary. Critics argue that without regulatory enforcement and stricter cybersecurity protocols, water infrastructure will continue to be a prime target for cybercriminals.

For communities in the Texas Panhandle, where water is already a precious commodity, the idea of a cyberattack compromising our water supply is unacceptable. It’s not just about financial losses or data breaches—it's about safeguarding a resource that is essential to life itself. Water utilities must prioritize cybersecurity by implementing proactive defense measures such as multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and continuous threat monitoring. Additionally, increased investment in cybersecurity training and incident response planning will help utilities detect and respond to threats before they escalate.

The time to act is now. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, we must ensure that the systems protecting our most vital resource are just as resilient. Water is life, and in regions like the Texas Panhandle, where every drop counts, we must remain vigilant in securing the infrastructure that delivers it.
-CP