Washington (March 25, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) today introduced the Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act, legislation that would provide funding for clean water and wastewater utilities to become members of the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC). The WaterISAC is a critical source of information and best practices for water systems to protect against, mitigate, and respond to threats.
“The essential water systems that provide us with water to drink, cook, and clean are increasingly facing threats from extreme weather, cyber attacks, and even terrorism,” said Senator Markey. “The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act will secure and protect our water systems against these threats by expanding access to the critical Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which helps water utilities of all sizes share information, best practices, and response techniques. I thank Congresswoman Schakowsky for her partnership on this important legislation.”
“Every person should have access to clean water to meet their basic needs. As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increase and cyber security threats against our infrastructure emerge, we must work together to protect our nation’s water systems,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “I am proud to join Senator Ed Markey in reintroducing the Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act. This bill will help assist local water systems in gaining access to the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC), a non-profit clearinghouse for information regarding threats to water safety. This kind of information sharing is critical to ensuring the health and safety of communities’ drinking water across the country.”
The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act is endorsed by American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, and Water Environment Federation.
“In recent years, our nation's drinking water and wastewater utilities have faced mounting threats from cyber attacks and infrastructure vulnerabilities that pose national security concerns and public health hazards,” said Tom Dobbins, CEO of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. “The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act will enable more utilities to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to dangerous security threats by facilitating access to WaterISAC's critical resources. AMWA is proud to support this legislation.”
“WaterISAC is a vital resource for public clean water utilities seeking to strengthen their preparedness and resilience against natural hazards, physical and cyber security threats,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. “The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber (Water ISAC) Threat Protection Act will expand utility participation in WaterISAC, ensuring water systems of all sizes have access to its essential tools and resources.”
“WaterISAC helps drinking water and wastewater systems of all sizes stay attuned to emerging threats by disseminating vulnerability alerts, sharing subject matter expertise, and recommending effective response actions,” said John P. Sullivan, Chief Engineer of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and Chairman of the WaterISAC Board of Managers. “The WaterISAC Threat Protection Act will enhance federal efforts to support WaterISAC participation and will help get threat information and best practice guidance into the hands of more water and wastewater systems across the country.”
Senator Markey is a champion for improving access to clean water. In December 2022, Senator Markey secured federal investments in Massachusetts water resources and infrastructure projects so that residents can access safe, reliable, and clean drinking water. In November 2022, Senator Markey called on Holtec to publicly commit to abide by the Environmental Protect Agency’s (EPA) regulations and not discharge any effluent water from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station into Cape Cod Bay without prior authorization by modifying its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. In October 2022, Senator Markey helped secure nearly $2.5 million in federal funding from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Safe and Clean Communities Grant Program for the UMass Lowell’s clean drinking water project.
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