NAWC Statement on Passage of a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Resolution at NARUC’s Annual Meeting

"The National Association of Water Companies applauds NARUC for passing this timely and vital resolution to strengthen cybersecurity across our nation's water and wastewater utilities. Special thanks to NARUC Water Committee Chairman Mike Bange, Commissioner NJ BPU for his leadership on this important issue.

For years - and most recently in our call for federal action earlier this year - NAWC has warned that foreign adversaries and cyber criminals are actively probing critical infrastructure to disrupt essential services. While regulated, private water companies have made significant investments in robust cyber defenses, uneven preparedness and the absence of uniform national standards leave far too many communities vulnerable.

NARUC's resolution directly aligns with the comprehensive federal framework NAWC has long championed. To meaningfully protect our sector, Congress must adequately resource The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), enhance information sharing through WaterISAC, protect sensitive threat intelligence from public disclosure, and establish an independent, sector-led Water Risk and Resilience Organization (WRRO) to develop enforceable standards.

State utility commissioners see firsthand the urgency of safeguarding local water supplies. We commend NARUC for underscoring the severity of these threats and adding its influential voice to the growing chorus calling for decisive federal action."