The EPA has recently called for water utilities across the United States to bolster their cybersecurity measures. This will happen after an alarming report that stated that 70% of America’s water systems inspected fail to meet the Safe Drinking Water Act’s standards because of outdated cybersecurity practices.
Drinking Water Warning Issued Nationwide
In the United States, a warning about Drinking Water has been issued due to concerns over potential cyberattacks on nationwide water systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently disclosed that several water systems have critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities like outdated passwords and single logins. These vulnerabilities gave permission to cyberattacks to disrupt water treatment processes, which will become a reason for increasing chemical levels in the water.
The EPA’s inspections disclosed that a staggering 70% of U.S. water systems do not fulfill the cybersecurity criteria that were listed in the Safe Drinking Water Act. The consequences of these cyberattacks are very dangerous. The major vulnerabilities identified involve the utilization of default passwords or single-user logins, that can easily be compromised and can be hacked easily. Hackers can potentially disrupt water treatment processes, they will also damage water pumps and valves and can alter chemical levels to hazardous amounts.
Such disruptions can pose major health risks to millions of Americans. This threat also endangers Americans’ tap water, which previously posed health risks for Americans. According to the survey, a high number of Americans drink tap water. That’s why this threat should not be taken lightly. The Government of America takes strike actions for the safety and well-being of all Americans.
How can I protect my local water system?
Americans want to Protect their local water system to ensure safe drinking water. After following the below step-by-step guidance you can easily protect your local water system.
Stay Informed
Keep in touch with your local advisories and listen to the news about water safety regularly.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you notice any unusual or suspicious activity around your water facilities then immediately report it to your nearest local authorities.
Support Cybersecurity Measures
Take strong and strike action for stronger cybersecurity practices in your local water systems. This normally includes regular software and hardware updates, stronger password policies, or multi-factor authentication.
Water Protection
To be safe from unexpected water warnings it is advised that you please use water wisely, fix leaks, use water-efficient electrical appliances, and practice mindful water usage that will lessen the burden on local water systems.
Community Involvement
- Become a member of local water management meetings or participate in community groups that normally focus on water safety and conservation.
Emergency Preparedness
- You need to have a perfect plan in place for water emergencies. This involves storing an emergency supply of water. This also includes knowing where you can get safe water if your local supply is compromised or facing water warnings.
Possible Impact of Drinking Water Warning Issued Nationwide
Drinking water warnings have become a serious issue in America. People are very worried about its impacts. There are several potential or possible impacts of drinking water warnings that were issued nationwide. Some of them are listed below.
- Promotes Cyberattacks: Once the Hackers gain access to water control systems then they can alter chemical levels in water. They can also shut down water treatment processes.
- Health Issues: Contaminated water can become a reason for serious health issues like gastrointestinal illnesses, neurological disorders, Cholera, and several other diseases.
- Service Disruptions: Any type of cyberattack or system damage can disrupt water supply systems that affect American households, businesses, hospitals, and other institutes.
- Economic Costs: The repairing process of damaged infrastructure and addressing contamination will be very costly. Several business organizations may suffer big losses just because of water shortages or contamination.
- People’s Trust: Repeated Water Warnings can erode public confidence in the safety and reliability of the water supply system.
- Environmental Damage: Contaminated water can harm local ecosystems that will affect wildlife or plant life.
Government Reaction to Drinking Water Warnings Issued Nationwide
The Government of America is taking various actions to protect water systems from cyberattacks or other threats. Different agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have disclosed updated guidelines and best practices for securing good water systems. This includes regular cybersecurity assessments, changing passwords on a regular basis, and creating a great incident response plan.
Governments are currently implementing stricter regulations to make it clear that water utilities meet cybersecurity standards. This includes the adoption of cybersecurity measures. The government is promoting public awareness campaigns in the country. These Campaigns are raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in national water systems and encouraging communities to be informed about any type of suspicious activity.
Governments of America should work to increase funding that is being allocated to upgrade outdated infrastructure and implement advanced cybersecurity technologies throughout the nation. Government official agencies are currently working with water utilities, private sector partners, and international bodies to share information about threats and provide tips to prevent water warnings.
