Federal Effort Targets Rising Risks to Nation’s Water Systems
The EPA is backing a $9 million initiative to help utilities combat cyber threats and climate-driven disruptions with stronger infrastructure safeguards.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- August 05, 2025
The EPA announced Tuesday that more than $9 million in grant funding is now available to help protect public drinking water systems from cyberattacks and extreme weather events.
The funding will support midsize and large water systems serving over 10,000 people. Applications are open for 60 days at grants.gov.
The grant program, established under the Safe Drinking Water Act, is designed to improve infrastructure resilience against natural hazards and cybersecurity risks. “With $9 million in grant funding and ten practical, effective, and collaborative recommendations to address cyberattacks, water systems across the country can strengthen their resiliency,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
Alongside the funding, the agency released a report titled Securing the Future of Water: Addressing Cyber Threats Today, outlining 10 new recommendations for enhancing cybersecurity across the water sector. These include leadership training, integration of cybersecurity into operator certifications, and partnerships with state cybersecurity offices.
Cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems have increased in recent years, prompting coordinated federal, state, and industry action. The recommendations were developed by the Water Sector Cybersecurity Task Force, co-led by EPA.
More details are available at epa.gov.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for EPOnline.