The "Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act of 2025" establishes a program for the EPA to encourage water systems and treatment works to participate in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center by offsetting membership costs and improving resource sharing, authorizing \$10 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Edward "Ed" Markey
Senator
MA
The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act of 2025 establishes a program for the EPA to encourage water systems and treatment works to participate in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center. This program aims to offset membership costs, improve data cooperation, and enhance resources for monitoring and responding to threats. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to carry out this section.
New Bill Proposes $20 Million EPA Program to Boost Local Water System Security Against Cyber Threats and Hazards
This legislation kicks off a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program aimed squarely at safeguarding community water supplies. The core idea, outlined in Section 2, is to encourage local water systems and treatment facilities to join the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Water ISAC). To make this happen, the bill authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and another $10 million for 2027 specifically to help offset the membership costs for these local utilities.
Connecting the Pipes: Getting Water Systems Plugged In
Think of the Water ISAC as a central hub where water utilities share intel on potential threats – everything from cyberattacks trying to disrupt operations to warnings about incoming natural disasters. Right now, not every community water system is part of this network, sometimes due to cost. This bill tackles that head-on by providing funds (authorized at $10 million per year for FY26 and FY27) to cover joining or membership fees. The goal is twofold: get more local systems into the information loop and improve how the EPA and the Water ISAC share data about potential dangers facing the water sector.
From Leaks to Hacks: Bolstering Defenses
Why the push? Modern water infrastructure faces threats beyond aging pipes. Section 2 explicitly mentions preparing for and responding to "malevolent acts" (like cyberattacks targeting control systems) and "natural hazards." The funding isn't just for membership discounts; it's also meant to enhance the Water ISAC's own capabilities. This means boosting resources for monitoring the entire water sector, spotting emerging threats faster, and providing better tools and guidance to help your local water provider prepare for, or recover from, an incident. The $20 million authorized over two years is intended to strengthen this collective defense, making it easier for utilities to share warnings and best practices, ultimately aiming for a more resilient water supply across the board.