US Water Systems Face Unsustainable Demand and Cyber Threats, Warns Report
A new report has highlighted the challenges facing water systems in the United States, including unsustainable demand and cybersecurity threats. The National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) unanimously approved the report, which describes the current state of the country’s water infrastructure as unsustainable. It warns that the nation is ill-prepared to handle a rapidly evolving water crisis.
The report points out that there are over 150,000 public water systems in the US, with approximately 80% being owned and operated by municipalities. In recent years, these systems have faced an increasing number of cyber threats. Alongside this, they also have to contend with new security challenges brought about by climate change, growing demand for fixed water supplies, and a critical lack of funding.
The inadequate conditions in the water and wastewater industries are attributed to decades of chronic underfunding and underinvestment in the US. To address these issues, the report offers several recommendations to enhance water supply sustainability. These include measures such as aquifer recharges and the development of highly integrated water management systems.
During a meeting of the advisory council, Nitin Natarajan, deputy director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, emphasized the need to build resilience within water systems. He stressed the importance of preparing for disruptions and suggested that continuity and recovery measures be taken into account alongside response efforts.
The report also recognizes the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining a specialized workforce in the water sector. It notes that women are particularly underrepresented in the industry, and young people do not see it as an attractive career path. To address this, the council recommends leveraging smart system monitoring technologies and information system management tools. It also suggests investing in new technologies and providing more workforce opportunities to meet the cybersecurity needs of water utilities.
Moreover, the council urges the White House to streamline the permitting process for water projects, which can often take up to a decade. They also call for assistance to be provided to low-income and vulnerable populations in restoring at-risk water systems through federal investment. The report recommends funding research in artificial intelligence and exploring its potential as a water resource management tool.
To strengthen the water sector workforce and ensure diversity and inclusion, NIAC calls on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to broaden its water sector workforce initiative. The EPA, being the sector risk management agency for water and wastewater systems, is responsible for overseeing cyber hygiene practices and cybersecurity planning nationwide.
Earlier this year, the EPA released new cybersecurity guidelines for water systems. However, these guidelines faced legal challenges from state attorneys general in Missouri, Arkansas, and Iowa, who argued that the requirements could financially burden smaller water systems. Despite the temporary blocking of the guidelines, the EPA continues to work towards strengthening the cybersecurity measures of the country’s water infrastructure.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for action to address the sustainability and security issues facing US water systems. By adopting the recommendations outlined, the nation can mitigate future risks and build a more resilient water infrastructure. Prioritizing funding, investing in technologies, and attracting a skilled and diverse workforce are crucial steps towards ensuring the availability and safety of water resources for the American population.
