Cyberattacks Reveal Weak Links in America's Water System

Suspected Iran-linked cyberattacks are highlighting chronic gaps in the United States’ drinking-water systems, which are fragmented and aging and increasingly stressed by climate risks. Utilities—particularly smaller ones—struggle with staffing and funding to boost cybersecurity while also upgrading aging pipes, with the EPA identifying vulnerabilities at 277 systems last year. The American Water Works Association is pushing for nationwide minimum cybersecurity standards and federal support as authorities balance cyber defense with infrastructure modernization amid a changing climate.