Gallego, Cotton Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen America’s Water Infrastructure Against Cyber Attacks

In recent years, municipalities across the U.S. have faced cyber-attacks, including from foreign adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran
WASHINGTON –Today,Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)andTom Cotton (R-AR)introduced the bipartisanWater Cybersecurity Enhancement Actto help public water systems protect against and respond to cyberattacks, which have become increasingly frequent in recent years.
“In Arizona, we know better than most the importance of safe and secure access to water. But adversaries also understand the importance and are increasingly trying to undermine our water security,”said Senator Gallego.“It is critical that we ensure our public water systems have the resources they need to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. That’s exactly what this bipartisan, commonsense bill does.”
“Cyberattacks on public infrastructure are a growing threat, and our water systems are no exception. This bipartisan bill will strengthen our ability to protect essential services and support local water utilities in building stronger cyber defenses,”said Senator Cotton.
TheWater Cybersecurity Enhancement Actwould extend and expand the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program, which is part of theSafe Drinking Water Act, to provide technical assistance and grants to community water systems for training and guidance regarding protecting from and responding to cyberattacks.
Full text of the legislation can be foundHERE.
READ MORE:Bipartisan lawmakers introduce bill to bolster water system protections against hackers
“The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) and its member companies have long supported establishing national cybersecurity standards as a means of safeguarding water systems from cyberattacks,”said NAWC President & CEO Robert F. Powelson.“We applaud Sen. Gallego’s leadership to help utilities respond to security threats by facilitating access to vital support and resources and support hisWater Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2025.”
“Senator Gallego’sWater Cybersecurity Enhancement Actis a vital step toward safeguarding America’s water infrastructure from an increasingly complex cybersecurity threat landscape. Cybercriminals and nation-state actors are targeting our water systems—especially those in small and rural communities—by attacking the critical technology that keeps water flowing,”said Arizona Department of Homeland Security Director Kim O’Connor.“This legislation provides resources needed to bolster our defenses and ensure the continued safety and reliability of our water supply. We look forward to implementing projects that would be enabled by this legislation, including our Water Cybersecurity Action Plan.”
“At AZ Water, we’re dedicated to preserving and protecting Arizona’s water environment, and strengthening the cybersecurity of our water systems is critical to that mission. We are proud to endorse theWater Cybersecurity Enhancement Actand are grateful to Senator Gallego for introducing it,”said Art Nunez, President, Board of Directors of the AZ Water Association.
TheWater Cybersecurity Enhancement Actis also supported by the American Water Works Association.
5/1/25