Cybersecurity Policy Report, Bipartisan House Bill Would Increase Cyber Grants for Small Water Systems, (Aug 28, 2026)
Funds available for cybersecurity grants for small community water systems would double, from $25 million to $50 million annually, under bipartisan legislation introduced yesterday in the House.
The Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act (H.R. 10151, 119th Cong. (2026)) was introduced by Reps. Chris Deluzio (D., Pa.) and Brad Finstad (R., Minn.) in response to the recent spate of cyber attacks on water utilities.
“So far in the summer of 2026, at least 12 states have reported possible cyberattacks to their water systems—with some experiencing flooding and reduced water pressure or going offline completely. At least 100 municipalities have reported potential hacking efforts to their water systems,” they said in a news release.
The bill would renew the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program through 2029 and authorize a $50 million annual appropriation for the grant program, according to its text.
Rep. Deluzio noted that he introduced similar legislation following a 2023 cyber attack on a water utility in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
“Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable, and the 2023 Iranian hack in Western Pennsylvania should have been a major wake-up call for our federal government,” he said. “Especially while the Iran War continues, we need to make sure our local water authorities have the resources and training they need to defend against cyber threats from the Iranians and others. Residents should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe from attacks.”
“We have seen far too many instances of cybersecurity threats to our critical water systems,” Rep. Finstad said. “Just this summer, Minnesota experienced over 30 cyberattacks targeting operational technologies that our communities rely on. I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio in introducing this important, bipartisan legislation that will help ensure our local water authorities have the proper capabilities to respond to threats from foreign adversaries.”
News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity