Water and wastewater systems protect public health, the environment, and the daily operation of every community. As utilities increasingly rely on SCADA systems, remote access, electronic communications, billing platforms, and other connected technologies, cybersecurity has become an essential part of safe and reliable utility management. A cyber incident can disrupt treatment and distribution processes, interrupt essential services, expose sensitive information, and create significant operational and financial challenges.

Improving cybersecurity does not have to begin with an expensive or complicated program. Practical measures—including identifying connected assets, changing default passwords, controlling remote access, maintaining secure backups, training employees to recognize suspicious activity, and preparing an incident response plan—can meaningfully reduce risk. PRWA is committed to helping Pennsylvania’s water and wastewater professionals strengthen their cyber resilience through timely alerts, trusted guidance, training opportunities, and practical resources. Protecting digital systems is now an important part of protecting utility operations and the communities that depend on them.

U.S. EPA & CISA Resources

The U.S. EPA and the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) have partnered to provide water and wastewater utilities with a centralized collection of resources for strengthening cybersecurity and protecting essential operations. Through the CISA Water and Wastewater Cybersecurity Toolkit, utilities can access free cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability scanning, self-assessment tools, incident-response guidance, technical assistance, training, cyber-hygiene resources, and recommended performance goals.

• CISA’s Water and Wastewater Cybersecurity Toolkit
• CISA’s No-Cost Cyber Vulnerability Scanning for Water Utilities
• EPA Water Resilience Cybersecurity Help Desk
• EPA No-Cost Cybersecurity Assessment Service
• EPA Cybersecurity Email Alerts Sign up

WaterISAC Resources

Stay informed with WaterISAC, the water and wastewater sector’s trusted source for timely security intelligence. WaterISAC gathers and curates information from government agencies, security experts, industry partners, and utilities nationwide—delivering cyber and physical threat alerts, incident reports, expert analysis, best practices, and practical resources to help utilities prepare for and respond to emerging risks.

As an added benefit, eligible NRWA member utilities serving fewer than 10,000 people may apply for a complimentary 12-month membership through December 31, 2026. Learn more and check eligibility.