The coordinated series of cyberattacks launched on U.S. drinking water and wastewater utilities across the country in recent weeks has alarmed lawmakers on Capitol Hill — but it remains to be seen whether the threat will be enough to break the impasse over mandating basic security standards for the sector. … Two Democratic senators introduced legislation Monday that would give EPA clear authority to assess cybersecurity threats across the water and wastewater sector. The bill from Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is effectively a second attempt at an approach the Biden administration tried three years ago but was foiled by opposition from Republican states and industry groups. The Water Cyber Shield Act of 2026 would allow EPA to require utilities to address vulnerabilities it identifies and mandate cybersecurity evaluations for large utilities.

Other water cybersecurity news:

• KQED (San Francisco): How prepared are we for cyberattacks on cities, water systems?
• NPR: Are hacks of U.S. water facilities a new front in the Iran war?
• Smart Cities Dive: Protecting water systems from cyberattacks: 5 steps cities can take now
• U.S. News & World Report: Hackers are coming for your tap water
• Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Blog: Why hackers targeting America’s water systems have the upper hand
• Arizona State University: Blog: Why hackers are targeting America’s water systems and what ASU is doing about it